Man Utd takeover bidders move into 'pole position' as significant transfer claim made

Sheik Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani is in pole position to buy Manchester United according to a fresh report.

According to French publication RMC Sport, the Nine Two foundation led by Sheik Jassim, is ready to buy the Old Trafford club from the Glazers for approximately £4.5billion.

Indeed, the Qatari is competing with British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who submitted a proposal last month via his petrochemicals company Ineos. The Oldham-born business mogul's bid has propsed to put the 'Manchester back in Manchester United'.

However, Sheik Jassim is reportedly in pole position allegedly due to his willingness to clear the club of its debts, thought to be in the region of £514million.

The ambition of the Qatari is reportedly to make United the biggest club in the world without changing what works, like the club's manager Erik ten Hag.

Moreover, Sheik Jassim plans to recruit a major player per position, according to the report.

Next steps on Man Utd sale

RMC claim that both prospective buyers will meet with representatives of the Raine Bank, the investment banking firm hired by the Glazers to help with the sales process, in the coming weeks.

Then, both Ratcliffe and Sheik Jassim will be given access to the club’s “data room”, where they will be able to examine all of United’s financial information and legal data, including details regarding player contracts.

Once given access to a range of documents, the pair will be expected to submit a new, refined and binding offer for the Old Trafford club.

Citing sources “familiar with the matter” should the Glazers be open to a sale, it can be completed within 4 months.

While there has been much speculation in the past few months regarding the motivations of United’s owners, the fact that both takeover offers have gone to the ‘next phase’ suggests a desire from the Glazers to commit to the sales process.

RMC added that other parties are also interested in buying a minority stake in the club.

Topics: Manchester United, Qatar, Premier League, Erik Ten Hag, Transfers

Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.