Middlesex begin talks with MCC that could lead to creation of the 'Manchester United of cricket'

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Discussions are only at the informal stage but the aim is to form a team that would reduce the gap between Test and county level.

MCC, once the game's governing body, own Lord's, the most famous ground in the world where Middlesex have been tenants and poor relations since 1877.

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Merger plans: Secretary of MCC Keith Bradshaw

Keith Bradshaw, secretary of MCC, believes that by pooling their resources they can create "the Manchester United of cricket".

He said: "We would be world-class in everything."

However, in a statement issued later today, MCC stressed that the idea of a merger is still a hypothetical one.

"MCC's master plan - the vision for it in the next 100 years - is at the preliminary stages of discussion," the statement said.

"During this process, a range of opportunities will be considered to ensure MCC remains the leading independent voice in the game and that Lord's retains its world-class status as the home of cricket.

"MCC remains committed to working and integrating with Middlesex in the future of Lord's. At present, however, this does not include any plans to merge clubs."