The Daily Mail's Mike Keegan has given a potential significant update on the status of the Manchester United takeover - and offered an update on the views of Sheikh Jassim's camp.
The Qatari businessman has launched five bids for United through his Nine Two Foundation, with the most recent of those arriving earlier this week.
It was reported by the Daily Mail that he was prepared to withdraw from any further negotiations should he not receive a respond on his bid by Friday - although the proposal would still remain on the table for the Glazer family to consider.
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His main rival to take over Manchester United appears to be the proposal from Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos, who want a majority stake in the club. Sheikh Jassim, meanwhile, only wants a full takeover.
According to a new report by Keegan, Ratcliffe's camp 'had been in advanced talks with Raine [US merchant bank handling negotiations] for a number of weeks' - and has now issued a fresh update over the takeover process.
Man Utd takeover update given
He has reported that a preferred bidder is 'expected' to be announced next week.
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It is claimed that insiders from Sheikh Jassim's delegation 'now feel they are very much in the game' as the takeover process appears to be entering its next stage.
Furthermore, the report adds that, alongside Ratcliffe's talks, 'there was something of a breakthrough with their rivals'. The extent of the breakthrough is unclear.
There has been concern at Old Trafford about how manager Erik ten Hag's transfer dealings could be affected if a takeover is not concluded ahead of the window, which opens in three days' time.
The Athletic reported that the Dutchman will have a transfer budget of £100 million - which would not change even if a takeover were to happen due to Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules.
Featured Image Credit: PA / AlamyTopics: Manchester United, Premier League