Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani has submitted a fifth and final bid for Manchester United which could have a major impact on the club's summer transfer business if accepted.
In a final attempt to complete a full takeover of the Premier League club, Sheikh Jassim has submitted an improved offer directly to club's owners, the Glazer family, and Raine Group, the bankers managing the sale.
The Daily Mail claim the Qatari banker has set a deadline for Friday for the final bid. After then, his offer will still stand, but there will be no further negotiations.
Advert
Sheikh Jassim's competitor, British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe, had been thought to be edging ahead in the process.
But the latest offer could tip the balance in Qatar's favour, with a preferred bidder yet to be chosen.
The Mail claim that Sheikh Jassim's latest offer, while improved, does not meet the Glazers' £6bn valuation of United.
Sheikh Jassim's transfer plans revealed
It is claimed in the report that there is 'growing frustration' at how long the sale is taking, and its potential impact on the club's summer transfer window.
Advert
The process originally started in November of last year and is coming up to its 200th day.
It is claimed that the 'need to strengthen Erik ten Hag's squad has played a major role in the Sheikh's latest and final move'.
The Qatari banker is said to be 'keen to complete the takeover' and arm Ten Hag with 'significant funds' ahead of the new season.
ESPN claim Ten Hag is concerned about his summer transfer plans as he remains 'in the dark' about how much money is available for new players.
Advert
The Dutchman is said to have had 'little information' about how the sale process is progressing.
While both Sheikh Jassim and Ratcliffe are believed to have senior management teams in place should either of their offers be accepted, any transition to new ownership is likely to take time and could disrupt the club's transfer business – with the window opening for English clubs on June 14.
United are already in advanced negotiations to sign Mason Mount from Chelsea, while they are also believed be in contact with the agent of Kim Min-jae ahead of a possible move for the Napoli defender.
Top of the transfer list for the Red Devils is a new striker, however, with Tottenham forward Harry Kane their No 1 target this summer.
Topics: Manchester United, Football, Premier League, Transfers, Erik Ten Hag
Rory O'Callaghan