"Sources in New York..." - Sky Sports reporter drops massive Man Utd takeover update as new bid expected

Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani is expected to make a second bid for Manchester United within the next 10 days, Sky Sports News has claimed.

United owners the Glazer family announced in November they were exploring "strategic alternatives" for the Premier League giants, that could result in an outright sale.

Three months later, Sheikh Jassim made a proposal for the club, while British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe submitted a rival bid.

Though both offers have fallen short of the Glazers' £6billion valuation, Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim have both entered the next phase of the takeover process, which involves a detailed presentation at Old Trafford.

Sheikh Jassim to make second Man Utd bid

Sky Sports have claimed that Sheikh Jassim is expected to make a second offer for United by the end of next week.

It comes after representatives of the Qatari Sheikh visited the Premier League club on Thursday to hold takeover talks and tour the club's facilities.

After making an indicative offer for the club last month before a soft deadline, Sheikh Jassim is now expected to submit a second bid for United.

Sky Sports News has been told by sources in New York that "there should be no doubt at all that Sheikh Jassim wants to be the owner and custodian" of the Old Trafford club.

A Qatari delegation travelled to Manchester from London and received a warm welcome at Old Trafford, with talks said to have been "positive and constructive".

Sheikh Jassim had been to Old Trafford as a fan before and the focus of his representative's visit was reportedly to get a perspective on how investment could improve the club's infrastructure, youth development and women's team.

The Qatari's are allegedly trying to get a better understanding of the asset before they make another bid.

Sky Sports added that it was too early into the process for Sheikh Jassim to be there in person, given he does not just want to merely attend for a photo opportunity.

Instead he sent his top team of experts in finance, banking, property and law, with the group "totally committed and in this to buy the club."

Topics: Manchester United, Football, Premier League

Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.