Man Utd bidder Sheikh Jassim 'expects his offer to be accepted by the Glazers'

Manchester United bidder Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani is confident his offer for the club will be accepted by the Glazers.

Earlier this week, reports emerged which claimed that Joel and Avram Glazer are increasingly confident of securing the outside investment that will allow them to remain as Manchester United owners.

The Glazer family, who have owned United since 2005, announced last November they were considering "strategic alternatives" - including a potential full sale of the Premier League club.

The Glazers instructed banking group Raine to handle the process and have since received several contrasting offers.

Sheikh Jassim is fronting a Qatari bid to buy United in full, while Britain's richest man, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, is attempting to secure a majority stake in the club.

Sheikh Jassim has stated his buyout would be debt free, while Ratcliffe has said he would borrow as part of any deal.

Finnish entrepreneur Thomas Zilliacus also announced his intention to buy the club through his investment firm, XXI Century Capital, and then issue low-priced shares to supporters - allowing them a form of fan ownership if his bid was successful.

ESPN claim a number of United States-based investment funds have also contacted Raine to register their interest in acquiring a minority stake in the club.

A source has told ESPN that United co-chairmen Joel and Avram Glazer are confident of securing the investment needed to transform the team and also redevelop Old Trafford and the club's dated training facilities.

It is claimed that they believe they could potentially double the value of the club over the next decade if they retain overall control.

Of the Glazer siblings, Joel is the largest shareholder, with 19.11 per cent. Darcie, his sister, holds 18.15 per cent, Bryan 17.23 per cent, Avram 14.38 per cent, Kevin 13.77 per cent and Edward 12.99 per cent, according to The Guardian.

It is claimed that only Joel and Avram are looking to retain their share if suitable outside investment can be found.

Despite those reports, Sheikh Jassim is said to be confident that he will be successful in his bid to buy Manchester United.

The Guardian claim that the Qatari banker, who wants to acquire all of United via his Nine Two Foundation, believes his offer will be accepted.

Sheikh Jassim and Ratcliffe are expected to formally submit final offers for the club before the deadline for third bids on Friday, April 28.

Zilliacus, meanwhile, has confirmed he will not make an improved bid for the club but that his previous offer still stands.