"Ratcliffe's intention is.." - BBC journalist drops Man Utd takeover update as "interesting" prospect revealed

BBC journalist Simon Stone has dropped the latest update on the potential takeover of Manchester United, including the status of two public bidders involved.

The confirmed bids thus far have been made by Qatari businessman Sheikh Jassim, who is the chairman of the Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB). He has launched an offer for a full takeover of United through his Nine Two foundation.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos, meanwhile, have also confirmed their bid. They want to acquire the majority stake in United held by the club's current owners, the Glazer family.

Other proposals have come from hedge funds, with four US-based funds reportedly in the running.

One of these is Elliott Management, the former owners of AC Milan. Their offer is to provide external financing to any interested party in United, or to the Glazers for further investments into the club.

All three offers are through to the next stage, with meetings planned with United chiefs. Now, BBC Sport journalist Stone has offered more insight into the meetings, and the next steps of the process.

Journalist drops latest Man Utd takeover update

Stone claims that Ratcliffe is set to be at Old Trafford this Friday for his meeting, with the businessman set to receive a presentation on the potential sale process.

It is added that Sheikh Jassim's representatives are due for their meeting on Thursday.

Ratcliffe is expected to travel up to Manchester from France, with Stone writing that the prospect of Ratcliffe being spotted arriving at Old Trafford is 'an interesting one'. Interested parties have also visited the club's training ground, with Ratcliffe's meeting on the same day as Erik ten Hag's pre-match press conference.

The latest update is certainly a significant development, with reports last week claiming that while representatives of the bid were expected to attend Old Trafford, it was unclear whether Radcliffe himself would be travelling to the north west.

The 70-year-old, who was born in Failsworth, Greater Manchester, is a boyhood United fan - and is now set to have the opportunity to speak to United officials face-to-face in England.