United have Real in their sights

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Real remain at the top of Deloitte's Football Money League for the third successive year on the latest figures available, from the 2006-07 season, which showed their revenue increased by 20 per cent to £236million (318.1million euros).

However, United enjoyed an even bigger percentage increase to come in second at £212million (285.7million euros), two places up on the previous season and ahead of Barcelona, Chelsea and Arsenal in third, fourth and fifth respectively.

The Old Trafford club had dominated the money league since its inception in 1996-97 before Real took over, and Paul Rawnsley, director of Deloitte's sports business group, believes it is only a matter of time before they resume their position at the top with the impact of the new television deal due to be felt during the current campaign.

He said: "Real Madrid are still at the top after an impressive 20 per cent growth in revenue, but Manchester United closed the gap and have the potential to catch Real up and take that top spot possibly next season or the season thereafter.

"To some extent, that will depend on how they perform relative to Real Madrid in the Champions League."

The figures take into account revenue generated from ticket sales, broadcasting rights, merchandising and the like, and illustrate the financial strength of the Barclays Premier League's top clubs.

Six English clubs - United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool (8th), Tottenham (11th) and Newcastle (14th) - make the top 20.

With the new television money to be factored in, Rawnsley said: "We would expect to see as many as 10 of the top 20 being made up by English Premier League clubs in next year's table."

Italy and Germany each contribute four clubs to the top 20, with Spain having three and France two. Those 20 clubs generated total revenue of £2.5billion in 2006-07.