London, Feb 16 (IANS) A Premier League football club of Britain has shown interest in buying one of the two Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket franchises to be sold at a base price of $225 million, a media report said.

IPL commissioner Lalit Modi Monday said that a Premier League club had expressed an interest in buying one of the two franchises to be sold over the coming weeks.

'There is a very famous football club in the UK very interested in bidding,' The Telegraph quoted Modi as saying.

'(They are) probably one of the most famous football clubs - probably top three. They are interested in taking a stake.'

A spokesman for Manchester United rejected any interest, while Modi denied Chelsea were keen.

The media report said that with Liverpool and Arsenal's long-term ownership uncertain, Manchester City would be favourites to make a move. Their Gulf-based owners have the financial strength, but a club official Monday night rejected suggestions Modi was referring to them.

The Abu Dhabi Cricket Association had recently signed a partnership deal with the MCC, who have also been approached about fronting a bid for an IPL franchise.