"Heads were turned..." - Report reveals how the sale of Liverpool was scuppered by Man Utd takeover

The timing of the bidding process for Manchester United has been privately acknowledged as a 'hindrance' to Liverpool, according to a new report.

The United process, which is currently ongoing, has seen two bids to take full or majority control of the club confirmed, and an additional offer of financing for a bid.

Sheikh Jassim, chairman of one of Qatar's biggest banks, has confirmed his foundation has made an offer to own '100 per cent' of the club, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos targeting the Glazer family's majority share in United.

The Glazers announced in November that they were seeking 'strategic alternatives' in United - just a month after FSG, the owners of Liverpool, made their own public statement.

They told The Athletic that they would consider new shareholders 'if it was in the best interests of Liverpool as a club'.

But despite the same outlet then claiming that the club had been put on the market, FSG principal owner John W Henry confirmed on Monday that the Reds would not be sold.

He did, however, say (via the Liverpool Echo): "Are we talking with investors about LFC? Yes. Will something happen there? I believe so."

Now, it has been claimed that the strategic process invoked by United has affected Liverpool's own aims.

Liverpool takeover: Man Utd acknowledged as 'hindrance'

According to The Athletic, senior figures at Liverpool have decided that now is not the right time to sell their shares in the club.

They claim that there has been little interest from other parties in a takeover, and that FSG have been 'testing the market' in recent months.

It also alleged that the sale process at United has been a 'hindrance' to the Reds, something privately acknowledged at the club, due to the 'spotlight taken away' from the Liverpool process.

Regardless of the future ownership, however, a report from The Times last week stated that FSG would show a 'statement of commitment' to Liverpool by allowing manager Jurgen Klopp to overhaul his squad this summer if it is deemed necessary.

Whether that is done as a result of further investment from another party remains to be seen, but for now a sale looks to be completely off the table.

Topics: Manchester United, Liverpool, Premier League, Qatar

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.