Manchester United takeover candidate Thomas Zilliacus makes sale prediction amid latest Glazers update

Manchester United takeover candidate Thomas Ziliacus has predicted that the Glazers will perform a U-turn over a sale of the club amid reports over Sheikh Jassim's latest bid.

Sheikh Jassim submitted his fourth and latest proposal for United in May - after the deadline had passed - with the offer reported to represent a world-record bid for a sports team worth around £5.5 billion.

But The Guardian's Jamie Jackson claimed on Thursday that the Qatari businessman, who is bidding for United through his Nine Two Foundation, was yet to hear back from the Glazers over his offer.

With 11 days remaining until the transfer window opens - and with the FA Cup final very much on the horizon - there is concern that the club's transfer business may be impacted by the lack of a conclusion to the takeover process.

Sheikh Jassim and Sir Jim Ratcliffe appear to be the main contenders to take over United if the Glazers do decide to sell. The Nine Two Foundation wants a full takeover of United, whilst Ratcliffe reportedly wants to purchase the Glazers' majority stake.

But there are other contenders. Elliott Management - the former owners of AC Milan - have submitted an offer for a minority stake in the club.

And Finnish businessman Zilliacus launched two bids for United, and despite declining to enter a third round of bidding, has not yet taken his second offer off the table.

But speaking in a new interview, the former HJK chairman is not convinced that the Glazers will sell to any party.

Zilliacus on Man Utd takeover

Speaking to Inter-News.it reporter Ivan Vanoni, Zilliacus admitted: "I already made an offer for Manchester United in England in March but I don't think anything will happen, they [the Glazers] won't sell."

The Finn was questioned about speculation that he could invest in Inter instead, to which he replied: "I have a great respect for what Steven Zhang [current Inter owner] did.

"He's done a great job over the last seven years and considering he arrived as a young man to manage Inter, he's done a fantastic job. If he wants to sell, then yes, we would certainly be interested."

During an appearance on BBC Sport's 'How to Buy a Football Club' podcast in April, Zilliacus was critical of the United takeover process, describing it as 'highly unprofessional'.

He added: "I see no reason whatsoever why a third round [of bidding] is basically starting the whole thing from scratch.

"It seems odd to me that, if there is a genuine will to sell and you have three serious bidders, why you don't sit down with the bidders, discuss and negotiate and hopefully come to a number that everyone can agree."