The Glazers could go the same way as Liverpool's American owners, it's claimed.

Manchester United could go the same way as Liverpool - with Malcolm Glazer forced to sell the club as their debts spiral out of control.

That is the verdict of Britain's leading sports lawyer, who says the fate of Tom Hicks and George Gillett has sent a "chilling message to the Glazers, and any other predatory buyers."

Mel Goldberg, chairman of the British Association for Sport and Law, reckons Glazer's US bankers could follow the RBS example and force him to sell United to pay off his debts.

He explained to The Sun: "This case could now have far-reaching effects for other clubs, particularly at United where the debt - more than £700million - must be a concern to the Glazers' financiers.

"It sends out a chilling message to them, and any other predatory buyers elsewhere. Buying football clubs with money that is not your own can lead to serious consequences!

"Like Hicks and Gillett, Glazer is very much in hock to the banks."