Tech-billionaire Elon Musk is reportedly interested in buying Manchester United.

The Red Devils have been owned by the Glazer family since 2005, but they released a statement last November, where they indicated they were considering "strategic alternatives for the club".

The Glazers are looking at different options, including new investment or a full sale of the 20-time English champions.

Formal bids for a potential takeover must be submitted by Friday after the Raine Group, who are overseeing the transaction, set the February 17 deadline.

According to the Daily Mail, Musk is monitoring the situation closely as he considers whether to make a bid.

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The Tesla and Twitter owner tweeted last year that he was interested in buying the club, before he later stated it was a joke.

When Man United fans were planning a protest in August, Musk posted to Twitter: "Also, I'm buying Manchester United, you're welcome."

The tech mogul later explained that he was making a joke, but he did add: "Although, if it were any team, it would be Man United. They were my favourite team as a kid."

With a net worth of £157bn, Musk is the second-richest person in the world according to Forbes, suggesting he should have no issue in matching the Glazers' asking price.

The Man United owners are hoping to receive offers between £6bn and £8bn, but there is a belief that a bid in the region of £4.5bn could be enough to get a deal over the line.

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If Musk does decide to submit a bid, he will face competition from a number of potential buyers, including the Qatar Investment Authority.

The Qatari-linked bid is being backed by Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, and it is believed to be one of several serious offers that will be sent before Friday's deadline.

INEOS owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is also expected to be among the bidders after previously expressing an interest in buying the Red Devils.

Ratcliffe, who is a Man United supporter, already owns Ligue 1 outfit Nice and Swiss Super League club FC Lausanne-Sport.