Phone call between Sheikh Jassim's team and the Glazers 'revealed' as 'direct talks' held over Man Utd takeover

A phone call has taken place between the Glazer family and Sheikh Jassim's Nine Two Foundation as the Manchester United takeover process continues, a journalist has claimed.

Sheikh Jassim, a Qatari businessman who is the chairman of the Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB), has submitted several bids for a full takeover of United through his Nine Two Foundation.

His main rival is British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who has submitted a proposal for majority control of the club alongside his petrochemicals company, Ineos.

On Tuesday evening, it was reported that Sheikh Jassim, through his foundation, had submitted a fourth bid for United, with the Daily Mail describing it as a 'take it or leave it' offer.

The bid is inclusive of investment into the Old Trafford stadium and the local community around the club, as per The Athletic via Qatari representatives, and each of their four bids have included wiping the club's debts.

But the same outlet also claims that those inside Ratcliffe's camp have 'confidence' that their bid will be successful.

In a new development, journalist Ben Jacobs has reported the current state of play in the takeover process.

Journalist reveals Qatar call

Taking to Twitter, Jacobs has reported that the Nine Two Foundation have held direct talk with the Glazers via phone - although it is not whether that means some or all of the family members.

Sky Sports claimed in February that the family was split over a sale of the club, with co-chairmen Joel and Avram Glazer said to be more resistant to giving up their shares in the club - although the reporting on this from various outlets has differed since then.

And Jacobs wrote: "Understand all six Glazers remain determined sellers. Qatar's latest offer is currently being assessed.

"Raine Group are still controlling next steps even though Nine Two Foundation held direct talks with the Glazers via phone. Raine still firmly part of major conversations.

"The process has not quite been bypassed. It's just fluid, which is to be expected at this stage. It's likely to remain this way until a preferred bidder is selected."

On the current stance of both Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim, Jacobs added: "Games continue to take place. But Nine Two Foundation sources have hinted for two weeks that they may go direct.

"Sir Jim Ratcliffe's offer remains flexible. Much has been made of the option to retain control with the Glazers, but INEOS are also quite prepared to buy all 69 per cent of their shares as well.

"Ratcliffe is simply after control and prepared to get it in a variety of ways."