Eight groups are in talks over a potential takeover of Manchester United at different levels, according to reports, with insiders maintaining a deal is in reach within the end of this month.
Two publicly confirmed bids have been made to acquire either a full or majority stake in the club, from Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB) chairman Sheikh Jassim - via his Nine Two foundation - and Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos.
Elliott Management, a US-based hedge fund and former owners of AC Milan, are also involved in the process, although their aim is to provide financing for either a bid or to the current owners, the Glazer family, for investment into the club.
But a number of proposals remain anonymous at this stage, and there is now plenty of competition involved in the process, The Telegraph have reported.
Significant Man Utd takeover update provided
The Telegraph claim that United are planning meetings with four of the interested parties this week, with a further meeting scheduled, before deciding on who enters the third stage of proceedings.
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But the intriguing line from the report is that, as per sources, two anonymous parties are interested in buying the club in its entirety. So far, only Sheikh Jassim has publicly expressed his desire for a full takeover.
United have been owned since the Glazer family since 2005, when Malcolm Glazer took full control of the club.
All six of his children - Joel, Avram, Bryan, Kevin, Edward and Darcie, all now hold differing stakes in United after Malcolm's passing in 2014, with a number of shares currently floated on the New York Stock Exchange. As per a report from Statista in January, Joel Glazer (19.11%) holds the highest percentage stake in the club.
Both he and Avram Glazer are co-chairmen of United, with Avram making an appearance at last month's Carabao Cup final at Wembley, in which Erik ten Hag's side beat Newcastle 2-0.
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Speaking after the final, Ten Hag said (quotes via i): [Avram] was really happy for the club, as our owner. He wanted to be part of it. He was in the dressing room, good he was here, showing his intentions.
"I'm not involved in that [takeover] process, but the way he is here you feel he is committed. But the process, what he wants, that is not for me. I lead this team, others are involved in decisions about ownership."
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Manchester United, Football, Premier League