Sir Jim Ratcliffe's INEOS have reportedly suffered a 'loss of confidence' in their bid to buy Manchester United, with the sale process continuing to drag on.
The Premier League club has been up for sale for nearly seven months, with the Glazers first announcing in November that they were exploring 'strategic alternatives'.
Britain's richest man Ratcliffe and Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani have both submitted several bids for United.
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Unlike Sheikh Jassim, who is attempting a full takeover, Ratcliffe's INEOS are seeking a controlling stake over 50 per cent which could allow the Glazer family to retain some involvement in the club.
Meanwhile, a number of other parties have expressed an interest in buying a minor stake in United.
But more than 200 days since the process began, banking group Raine Group – who are handling the sale on behalf of the Glazers – are yet to confirm their preferred bidder.
Speculation is growing that Sheikh Jassim has been successful with his fifth and final offer, which is understood to be worth around $6.5bn (£5.2bn) – with an additional $1bn (around £800m) of investment in the club also pledged.
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And French outlet Nice-Matin (via Get French Football News) has now reported that Ratcliffe and INEOS, who also own Ligue 1 side Nice, are 'less confident’ of completing the purchase of United.
The report claims they have suffered a 'loss of confidence' in the deal.
It follows reports that Sheikh Jassim has 'slipped ahead' of Ratcliffe in the battle to buy United, with The Guardian claiming the sale process is now at its 'endgame'.
Reuters reported last week that United are already negotiating exclusivity with the Qatari banker.
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However, the BBC claim that exclusivity had not yet been granted by Raine and that talks are continuing with all interested parties.
Sheikh Jassim has himself shown signs of running out of patience with Raine and the Glazers.
According to a report by the Financial Times, Sheikh Jassim 'threatened to walk away' from the whole takeover process after tabling his fifth bid for United last week.
His final offer is believed to have been made with a 'take-it-or-leave-it' approach, refusing to re-enter negotiations until a preferred bidder had been named.
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The protracted sale process threatens to disrupt United's summer transfer plans, with the domestic window now open for English clubs.
According to The Times, the sale is not expected to be completed until after the new season has started on August 14, with Erik ten Hag's side taking on Wolves in their opening game.
Featured Image Credit: Alamy & PATopics: Manchester United, Football, Premier League