IPL commissioner Lalit Modi says there is a lot of interest in the new franchises

A top English football club is interested in buying a franchise in the Indian Premier League, according to the tournament's chief.

Lalit Modi told BBC Sport the identity of the club would be revealed when the 2011 tender process begins in March.

Earlier he told The Times newspaper: "There is a very famous club in the UK [that is] very interested in bidding.

"[They are] probably one of the most famous football clubs — that's all I can say. Probably top three."

Two new franchises will be added to the IPL, which currently consists of eight teams, from 2011.

The franchises will be sold at an auction of sealed bids before the 2010 IPL season starts on 12 March and Modi is seeking minimum offers of $225m (£143m).

An IPL spokesman told BBC Sport there had been "phenomenal interest" in buying a franchise, ranging from "Bollywood stars to Indian corporates to overseas organisations".

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And Modi added: "We have had over 30 people express interest within the first few weeks of announcing the sale of the two teams.

"For now I can tell you that inquiries are pouring in from film-stars, industrialists, NRI's (non-resident Indians) and also a substantial number of foreign organisations.

"Thus, as you can see the IPL is only set to grow from strength to strength and evolve further as one of the best modern day innovations in global sport."

Modi also revealed he is in discussions with the MCC about it becoming involved with one of the new franchises.

"I have talked [to MCC] and they are quite interested," he said.

MCC chief executive Keith Bradshaw told The Times he had received "several approaches" but would not confirm any plan to be part of a consortium.

"At the moment, our finances are focused on the redevelopment of the ground," he said.

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