Sheikh Jassim now thinking of buying another club in huge blow to Man Utd

Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani is thinking of buying another club instead of Manchester United, it has been claimed.

It has been 11 months since the Glazer family first announced they were exploring strategic alternatives for United, which could result in an outright sale of the club.

Despite several respective bids from Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim and INEOS petrochemicals billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe, both of whom have reportedly valued the club at over £5billion, the Glazers remain in situ at Old Trafford.

And as the wait goes on for a decision from the American oweners, Italian publication Tuttomercatoweb has reported that Sheikh Jassim might now have his eyes set on Serie A giants Inter.

Inter, who were last season’s Champions League finalists, are currently under the ownership of 31-year-old Steven Zhang, who became the youngest chairman in the club’s history back in 2018.

However, with a looming loan repayment deadline set for May 2024, questions have been raised about Zhang’s long-term future at the club, with the Raine Group said to have been on the hunt for potential buyers.

And Tuttomercatoweb claims (via Team Talk) that Sheikh Jassim has entered the fray as a potential bidder for the Serie A side.

However, the publication alleges that a significant point of contention is the price, which Zhang’s valuation for the club is said to be €1.2bn (£1billion).

Sheikh Jassim is said to not be inclined to meet Zhang’s pricetag, leading to a current standstill in negotiations.

Meanwhile, on the ongoing takeover saga at Old Trafford, club CEO Richard Arnold offered a brief update on the situation at the club's first Fans' Forum of the season on Tuesday

Arnold said via BBC Sport: "All I can say at this moment is the work is ongoing.”

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Topics: Football, Premier League, Manchester United, Sheikh Jassim

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.