"Sources..." - Journalist drops worrying transfer news for Man Utd fans even if Qatari bid is successful

Manchester United will unable to spend heavily in the summer transfer window even if the Qatari takeover bid is successful, it has been claimed.

Qatari investor Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani made his offer to buy United public on Friday, while a bid from Red Devils fan Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his company Ineos was also announced.

The Times reported on Saturday that US hedge firm Elliott have also submitted an offer but are not looking for a full takeover from the Glazer family.

Much of the focus on the bidding process has centred around the Qatari bid, with Al Thani promising to "return United to its former glories both on and off the pitch".

ESPN journalist Rob Dawson claims Al Thani is ready to invest in the squad as soon as possible if his buy-out is successful.

But his hands could be tied, with the report also claiming that United are not planning an extravagant spend in the summer.

Why can't Man Utd spend heavily this summer?

Sources have told ESPN that United must be restrained in the transfer market with the club at risk of breaching Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations.

Failure to qualify for this season's Champions League, plus a lack of significant player departures, has meant United are could breach FFP rules if they spend heavily this summer.

That is despite the club's commercial, broadcast and matchday revenue streams remaining strong.

Club officials are hopeful that there will be clarity over the ownership situation by the end of the season, which would allow them to formulate plans for the summer market with plenty of time before the window closes.

While there is unlikely to be a huge splurge this summer, sources have told ESPN that Erik ten Hag will have money to spend in the summer, even if the Glazers are still in control.

United forked out more than £220m - the most the club have ever spent in a single window - to sign Tyrell Malacia, Lisandro Martinez, Casemiro, Antony and Martin Dubravka in the summer transfer window.

But they had a relatively quiet January, signing Jack Butland, Wout Weghorst and Marcel Sabitzer on loan deals.

Topics: Manchester United, Football, Premier League, Transfers

Rory O'Callaghan

Rory O'Callaghan is Editorial Lead at SPORTbible. He has previously worked for Sky Sports News, MailOnline and Reach covering football, cricket, boxing and MMA. Tested daily as a Liverpool fan in a Manchester office.

@rory_ocallaghan