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Topics: Manchester United, Premier League, Qatar, Erik Ten Hag, Transfers
Ryan Smart
Topics: Manchester United, Premier League, Qatar, Erik Ten Hag, Transfers
A respected journalist has reported the transfer plans of Qatari investor Sheikh Jassim if, through his foundation, he takes over Manchester United.
Sheikh Jassim is one of two publicly confirmed bidders for the club, with the offer being made through his Nine Two foundation.
He is chairman of the Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB) - of which the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) is the largest shareholder, as per Market Screener.
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Sources close to the bid, however, have dismissed claims that the offer is funded by QIA.
They told The Telegraph: "On the point of the QIA and QSI [Qatar Sports Investments, who own PSG], there is absolutely no overlap operationally, legally or from an advisory perspective.
"If that would have been the case he [Sheikh Jassim] would not have gone for this bid. He is potentially investing in the club as a private individual."
A report from the Daily Mail last month claimed that Sheikh Jassim, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos, and one unnamed bidder had been invited to Old Trafford for further talks.
And now a journalist has revealed what the Sheikh's plans are for United if he is successful in a full takeover of the club.
The Daily Mail's Mike Keegan has claimed that the Qatari bid wants to be in control of the club by the time the summer transfer window opens, so it can 'arm [manager Erik] ten Hag with substantial funds'.
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It is claimed that the Sheikh Jassim and Ratcliffe/Ineos bids will meet with United chiefs and the Raine Group, who are overseeing the process, in Manchester imminently, although the Sheikh and Ratcliffe are not expected to be present in person at this stage in proceedings.
Discussions between various groups, where financial information can be requested, are said to be already ongoing.
The same source claimed last week that there was a 'growing frustration' from some parties at a lack of access to the club's full financial picture.
It appears that the process will not reach a swift conclusion - although the Qatari bid seems to be hopeful that it will be able to take over in the coming months in order to push United towards success next season.
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However, ESPN report that, as per sources, the club will not be able to do big business in the transfer market this summer, as it is on the limit when it comes to Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations.
That is due to the failure to qualify for the Champions League this season, and a lack of player departures for significant fees.