David Ornstein gives worrying Manchester United transfer update as takeover claim made

Manchester United's summer transfer business will be affected by the ownership situation if an outcome is not reached before the window opens, David Ornstein has reported.

United's current owners, the Glazer family, are currently in the process of looking for strategic alternatives for the club - and a majority or full sale of the club appears to be edging closer.

Sheikh Jassim, through his Nine Two Foundation, and the joint proposal of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS are at the forefront of the race to buy the club.

Ratcliffe wants majority control of United, while Sheikh Jassim reportedly wants a full takeover.

Both parties launched three bids for the club around the deadlines set by the Glazer family, although the Nine Two Foundation submitted another proposal earlier this week. The bid, reportedly worth around £5.6 billion and inclusive of investment into the club, was described by the Daily Mail as a 'take it or leave it' offer.

But while takeover negotiations, handled by US merchant bank Raine Group, are progressing, the transfer window is now on the horizon.

Speaking on The United Stand, ESPN's Mark Ogden claimed that manager Erik ten Hag will have £100 million to spend on new players this summer.

But Ornstein has reported that United's transfer business will be affected by the outcome of the takeover process - and gave an update on the feeling around the club.

Ornstein on Man Utd takeover

Speaking on the FIVE YouTube channel, Ornstein explained: "Right now, to my knowledge, Manchester United are not able to move on very much at all.

"You speak to people around the club and there seems to be quite a clear sense that they might have to sell before they can buy.

"While there's uncertainty over the ownership situation, it could take departures to free up the funds for acquisitions. When you look at who and what areas, definitely the striker role. But the longer this goes on, a situation like Harry Kane may be more complicated.

"You've got players like Victor Osimhen, but that's huge money."

On the takeover process itself, meanwhile, he said: "It feels that this process has become a bit of a mess. Certainly it's not ideal for Manchester United. Maybe it's ideal for the Glazers if they are going to achieve the price that they want.

"That won't be music to the ears of United fans unless they depart in full. But it's affecting what United can do in the market."

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

Ryan Smart

Live in constant hope of the top flight as a Preston North End fan. Written in the past for SPORF, GiveMeSport and more.