On the same day that Nike introduced its latest iteration of Manchester United's home jersey, Reuters news service reported the Oregon company and the Premier League franchise are ready to part ways.
Reuters' story on Monday says:
Nike has been supplying United's famous red shirts since 2002 but the current agreement expires next year. Its withdrawal is expected to clear the way for the club to sign a lucrative new deal with German sportswear company Adidas.
"Clearly Nike's football business is booming and they could easily afford to do this (deal). They had the right to match any other offer but looking at the deal on the table, they will walk away as it doesn't make commercial sense," the source said.
United got around 38 million pounds ($64.7 million) from the Nike deal in 2012-13, including its share of profit from the sale of merchandise around the world.
The story also says United is seeking 60 million pounds annually, or nearly $103 million, in a new deal.
Nike on Monday introduced the new Manchester United home uniform for the 2014-15 season. The uniform features a red shirt, white collar and cuffs with a red-and-black trim with white shorts and black socks with a red band.
-- Allan Brettman