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Fabrizio Romano has dropped an update on the Manchester United sale amid concerns the club could fail to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
Sheikh Jassim, who is the chairman of Qatar Islamic Bank, is competing with British petrochemicals billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe to buy United from the Glazers.
The Qatari has reportedly submitted a world-record £5billion bid for a 100 per cent stake in the Premier League giants.
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Meanwhile, Ratcliffe’s Ineos group have only bid for a controlling stake in United, though have allegedly placed a higher value on the Old Trafford club than Sheikh Jassim.
It has also been claimed that the British billionaire is prepared to allow controversial co-chairmen Joel and Avram Glazer to retain a minority investment in the club, a move that would anger large contingents of the United fanbase.
Transfer guru Romano has offered an update on the race to take over United, as prospective investors and fans await a decision from the Glazers.
Romano’s Man Utd sale update
Romano has claimed Sheikh Jassim is still keen to buy the club even if United fail to qualify for the Champions League.
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A turgid run of form now sees United in fourth position in the Premier League, just a point ahead of rivals Liverpool, albeit with a game in hand.
Yet Romano told his YouTube channel: “Many Manchester United fans worried after the West Ham game have asked me what’s going to happen with Sheikh Jassim and Ineos group if Manchester United do not qualify for the next Champions League.
“First of all, Man United remain convinced they will make it. They remain very confident of [claiming] a Champions League spot at the moment.
“But what is coming from Sheikh Jassim’s group is that they are prepared to insist on buying Manchester United in any case. It doesn’t depend on Champions League football next season.
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“So, they want Manchester United, and they still feel confident, but for this sale process, it’s up to the Glazers.
“But [both Ineos and Qatari bid] remain interested. They are waiting on the Glazers’ decision on the preferred bid.”
Romano added: “This is a crucial moment. They have to decide as soon as possible to help the club for the summer transfer window.”
Topics: Football, Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United, Premier League, Champions League
Chris Byfield