A bidding war between Nike and Adidas could push Manchester United's kit to 132m dollar value

A BIDDING war between Nike and Adidas is set to push the value of Manchester United's next kit deal beyond $132 million a year.

A BIDDING war between sportswear giants Nike and Adidas is set to push the value of Manchester United's next kit deal beyond $132 million a year, it emerged last night.

A day after Arsenal signed a club record $57m-a-year deal with Puma, Sportsmail can reveal that the battle to produce United's next kit has reached feverish levels with Adidas, Warrior and Puma all pitching to commercial director Richard Arnold this week.

Current suppliers Nike, whose $44m-a-year deal expires in 2015, are favourites. However, a period of exclusivity ran out in July and United are free to speak to rivals.

Adidas were first through the door at Old Trafford on Monday. Officials from US firm Warrior spent all day at the club yesterday, while Puma are expected today.

It is understood that United and Nike have had some serious disagreements over the way a new contract would be structured in the last two weeks, opening the door for Adidas and others and pushing the price above experts' original estimate of $123m a year. A United spokesman said: 'We are in discussions with multiple parties regarding our global retail, apparel and product licensing business, starting in the 2015-16 season. This process is a routine practice used for our global and regional sponsorship deals and helps us maximise the value/structure of the club's partnerships.'