Sir Jim Ratcliffe's bid for Manchester United could see the Glazers KEEP a stake in the club

Sir Jim Ratcliffe is offering a deal for Manchester United that would enable Joel and Avram Glazer to remain stakeholders in the club, it has been claimed.

The Glazer family, who have owned United since 2005, announced last November they were considering "strategic alternatives" for the Premier League club - including a full sale.

Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani has made an offer to buy United in full, while Britain's richest man, Ratcliffe, is attempting to secure a majority stake in the club.

A number of United States-based investment funds are also prepared to offer financial support in return for a minority stake in the club.

Earlier this month, reports emerged which claimed that co-chairmen Joel and Avram Glazer were increasingly confident of securing the investment needed to remain as Manchester United owners.

It has now been claimed that Ratcliffe is prepared to agree to a deal which would allow Joel and Avram Glazer to retain a stake in United if he becomes the majority shareholder, a move which is certain to anger a large section of the club's support.

Daily Mail journalist Mike Keegan claims one of the options on the table for the American owners would see Ratcliffe take a controlling stake of more than 50 per cent, with the two Glazers retaining a combined 20 per cent.

"Those close to the process, which is being run by US merchant bank Raine Group, say the prospect may well prove to be the preferred option with the two Glazer brothers – the members of the family most-heavily involved in the running of the club - given an opportunity to stay," wrote Keegan.

The deadline for closing bids is on Friday, with Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim both expected to submit revised offers.

"It is expected that a preferred bidder will then be selected within days, with the aim to have investment or new owners in place for the next transfer window, which opens in June," added Keegan.

The possibility of the Glazers remaining at United following the sale of the club will anger many supporters, who have protested against the American family's ownership since they completed a leveraged buyout of the club in 2005.

United fans plan to stage a protest against the Glazers ahead of their Premier League match against Aston Villa on Sunday.

A supporters group plans to march from Manchester city centre to Old Trafford under the slogan 'full sale only'.

The fans will also boycott first 18 minutes of the match, which they say is 'one for every year the Glazers have driven our club to the ground'.