NYON: Manchester United are set to feature in another high-profile transfer but this time off the pitch rather than on it writes KEIR RADNEDGE.

Philip Townsend, United’s director of communications, is favourite to be appointed to a similar role with European football federation UEFA in succession to former CNN sports anchor Pedro Pinto.

Townsend has led United’s profile-enhancing media operations since February 2004.

Pinto had two lengthy stints with CNN, first in Atlanta from 1998 to 2003 and then in London where he was the ‘face’ of the channel’s sports operation between 2006 and 2013. He then moved to Nyon to take up his communications post at the behest of then-president Michel Platini.

He is expected to retain a consultancy role for current president Alexander Ceferin after returning home to Portugal to take up new projects of his own.

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