The Manchester United bidding process is reportedly encouraging 'jokers', with five 'serious' parties said to be interested in the club.
The current owners of the club, the Glazer family, have set a 'soft deadline' of next Friday for offers. The Daily Mail claim that the five parties consist of Qatar and US-based investors, boyhood United fan Sir Jim Ratcliffe, and two Saudi Arabian groups.
It is reported that United have signed confidentiality agreements with interested parties, and allowed them access to the club's financial details. The Glazers are said to be are open to multiple forms of investment.
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However, one source close to a potential bidder has told i journalist Pete Hall that, along with the serious parties, the process will encourage 'jokers' to enter the race.
He explained: "What happens next Friday is you submit a letter that is two paragraphs. One saying this is proof of the funds, and the other that I want to be custodians of the club, and that's it.
"There will be all kinds of jokers who are willing to submit. I don't think there are any serious people who are willing to pay £6 billion [the reported asking price]."
Man Utd takeover: Glazer claim made as fears emerge
According to the same report, Joel and Avram Glazer are said to be open to staying at Old Trafford in some capacity even if a new party does invest in the club, in news that will concern a majority of supporters.
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It is claimed that they could join a consortium of new buyers, or potentially buy out the equal stakes held by their four siblings, who are said to be 'more disinterested' in the club due to anti-Glazer protests.
ESPN, meanwhile, allege there is a belief amongst some of the family that the club's asking price could increase if United achieve success under manager Erik ten Hag.
The Dutchman has guided United to the Carabao Cup final, and they take on Newcastle at Wembley later this month. In addition, they are third in the Premier League - eight points behind leaders Arsenal having played a game more.
When asked about the prospect of further investment in the Red Devils in December, Ten Hag stated that it would be a positive: "My information is that it will only be good things because there will be more investment possible.
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"We spoke about the culture we want, we spoke about objectives, goals and the culture and [United CEO Richard Arnold] confirmed it won't change, it will be even better because more money will become available for this project."
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Manchester United, Premier League, Erik Ten Hag