"It is understood..." - Journalist drops major Man Utd sale update as 'Qatari ultimatum' revealed

The Glazers are now considering selling a minority stake in Manchester United amid claims that bids for the club have fallen 'considerably short' of their asking price.

Qatar's Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani and Sir Jim Ratcliffe's INEOS submitted bids to buy United ahead of last month's soft deadline and are now awaiting responses from Raine Group, who are handling the potential sale on behalf of the Glazer family.

The Independent journalist Miguel Delaney claims that both offers were no more than £4.5bn.

"While there had been an initial feeling the Glazers would accept £5bn, it is understood that figure is actually £6bn," he added in his report.

Delaney claims there is 'bullishness' around the Qatari bid with the feeling that they "will ultimately pay what it takes to secure a prize asset that would have immense political value".

But there are said to be fears that the Glazers will "ultimately seek minority investment" rather than a full sale of the club.

Reports last month claimed there is split in the Glazer family, with Joel and Avram Glazer reportedly hoping to retain control of the club or at least keep a stake in it - unlike their siblings, who are looking to sell up.

US investment group Elliott Management have offered to provide financing for United but have dismissed reports that they made a bid for 60 per cent control.

It has been reported that Elliott are ready to finance £2bn worth of Old Trafford upgrades if the Glazers opt to retain control or sell to another party.

Glazers 'issued ultimatum by Qatari bidders'

While the Glazers could seek minority investment, it is unlikely to come from the Qatari bid.

CBS Sports reporter Ben Jacobs says the Qataris have issued an 'all or nothing' ultimatum, with Sheikh Jassim only willing to buy the club in its entirety.

talkSPORT claim Sheikh Jassim could be willing to pay the Glazers' full asking price and clear United's existing debts of £680m.

It is also claimed that would invest in a new stadium to replace Old Trafford.

The Independent claim United have been in talks with architect firm Populous over the potential redevelopment or total reconstruction of Old Trafford.

The stadium plans are central to the takeover process, with the construction of modern ground potentially adding billions to United's value.