Man Utd 'open talks' for Neymar transfer in hint Sheikh Jassim may win takeover race

Manchester United’s negotiations with Neymar suggest that Sheikh Jassim may be in line to win the club’s takeover race.

It has been widely reported that United are among several clubs in talks to sign Neymar.

The 31-year-old made a world record £189million transfer to Paris Saint-Germain six years ago, however, his time in the French capital appears to have reached its natural conclusion.

Last week a contingent of PSG supporters are understood to have gathered outside the player's home, chanting for him to leave the club.

PSG are allegedly now open to the Brazilian’s departure, with several Premier League clubs allegedly in talks with the Brazilian’s representatives.

Sky Sports journalist Kaveh Solhekol confirmed that United are among the clubs that had been contacted by Neymar’s intermediaries.

However, Solhekol added that while the deal makes sense from a commercial perspective, the player is not a United target at present.

Sheikh Jassim takeover hint

United’s talks with Neymar could suggest that Sheikh Jassim is set to take over United.

In April the Sun reported that the Qatari wanted to bring Neymar to Old Trafford as a statement signing should he be successful in his United takeover attempt.

Sheikh Jassim has reportedly bid some £5billion for a £100 per cent stake in the club - a world record figure - but one that still falls short of the Glazers’ £6billion valuation.

Meanwhile, petrochemicals billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe has submitted a bid for a majority stake in the Old Trafford club, that would allow Joel and Avram Glazer to maintain some connection with United.

However, United’s discussions with PSG could suggest that figures at the club are bracing themselves for Sheikh Jassim to take over.

United have prioritised a striker this summer, with Napoli’s Victor Osimhen and Tottenham’s Harry Kane said to be top of Erik ten Hag’s wishlist.

Of course, Osimhen has netted 23 times and claimed five assists during Napoli’s surge to their first Scudetto in 33 years. Meanwhile, Kane, who is entering the final 12 months of his contract in the summer, has scored 28 Premier League goals for a struggling Tottenham side.