Journalist claims Glazers will STEP DOWN from Man Utd executive roles if Sir Jim Ratcliffe takeover completed

Joel and Avram Glazer would step down from their executive roles at Manchester United if a Sir Jim Ratcliffe-led takeover of the club is completed, according to a new report.

The Daily Record's Duncan Castles claims that individuals familiar with the negotiations say a deal is 'close' to being agreed, and that Ratcliffe himself is confident that a takeover will happen.

It is said that Avram and Joel prefer 'strategic alternatives' and external investment over a full sale of the family's shares in the club.

That could give Ratcliffe a key advantage, with the claim also made that his offer would enable both men to retain their shares post-takeover or sell them at an additional premium during the first two years of his reign.

Ratcliffe submitted his latest bid prior to the deadline on Friday, with The Independent reporting that he valued the club at a higher amount that the Qatari-based offer, led by Sheikh Jassim and his Nine Two Foundation.

In addition, there was an allegation from close observers, as per the above report, that there was a 'surprising distance' between the bids.

Ratcliffe Man Utd bid detailed

Castles claims that, alongside the Sheikh Jassim and Ratcliffe bids, there have been minority stake/financing offers made by Elliott Management and the Carlyle Group. Finnish businessman Thomas Zilliacus is also said to have submitted a bid for a majority stake, despite his claims on social media that he would not participate in the third round of bidding. It is not known whether his previous offer, or an entirely new one, is on the table.

Ratcliffe's bid would bring along plenty of sporting expertise, with Ineos head of sport Sir Dave Brailsford to be reportedly handed a senior role at the club if a takeover is successful.

Brailsford was formerly the head of cycling's Team Sky, and remained as team principal after the takeover and rebrand by Ineos.