Could Sheikh Jassim launch bid to buy Liverpool if Man Utd takeover fails?

Sheikh Jassim is one of the leading contenders to take over Manchester United - but could he turn his attentions to Liverpool if his bid fails?

The Qatari businessman has launched an offer to buy United, reportedly worth over £5 billion, through his Nine Two Foundation.

He does face competition, with the joint bid of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos also hoping to take over the club.

But while Ratcliffe's proposal is based around taking majority control of the club from the Glazer family, Sheikh Jassim is said to want a full takeover.

On Wednesday evening, The Sun claimed that the Glazers have named Ratcliffe as their preferred bidder, and that the US-based merchant bank, Raine Group, who have been tasked with leading negotiations, are expected to confirm the "winning" bid within days.

Sky News reported that Ratcliffe's proposal contained a 'put-and-call' clause, which would force the Glazers to sell their remaining minority shares to him, or force him to acquire them, at 'specified future dates' should the option be triggered.

If he does take over the club ahead of Sheikh Jassim, could the Qatari businessman look towards Liverpool?

Could Sheikh Jassim launch Liverpool bid?

The answer to the question is that it appears very unlikely Sheikh Jassim will turn his attentions towards the Reds.

There has been no indication that he has any interest in Liverpool - and reports (via ITV Sport) claim he is a boyhood United fan.

Qatari investors were linked with a takeover bid for the Reds last year, but Sheikh Jassim's name was not associated with these links in any reports.

And in February, Liverpool principal owner John W Henry ruled out a full sale of the club.

Replying to a question submitted via email by the Boston Sports Journal, he said: "Will we be in England forever? No. Are we selling LFC? No. Are we talking with investors about LFC? Yes.

"Will something happen there? I believe so, but it won't be a sale. Have we sold anything in the past 20 plus years?"

Therefore, it remains to be seen whether Sheikh Jassim will bid for another club if he fails in his attempts to take over United - but it appears that Liverpool would not be an option.