Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani has emerged as a clear favourite in the Manchester United takeover battle, according to a fresh report.
The Glazers announced in November they were exploring “strategic alternatives” for United, that could result in an outright sale.
Since, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim have made public proposals for the Old Trafford club, both of which are thought to have fallen short of the Glazers' valuation.
The Americans allegedly want £6billion for United, which would make the Premier League giants the most expensive sports team in history.
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Despite offering less than that valuation, Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim’s bids have entered the next phase of the takeover process, with both parties attending detailed presentations at Old Trafford this week.
Clear favourite in Man Utd takeover
According to the Guardian, Sheikh Jassim has emerged as the favourite to buy United ahead of Ratcliffe.
Representatives of the Qatari banker are expected to meet the United hierarchy on Thursday.
And Sheikh Jassim is allegedly the favourite to buy United, in part, due to his potential to open up business opportunities for the Glazers in the Gulf.
The Guardian report also claims that the Glazers “have not yet warmed to Ratcliffe” with the Ineos owner due to be at United on Friday along with his advisers.
The British billionaire reportedly plans to travel after watching his club Nice in their Europa Conference League clash against Sheriff on Thursday.
After the second stage of the takeover process is complete, which could be as early as the end of this week, interested parties will be asked to submit revised bids for the club.
Indeed, ESPN claimed that the Glazers will explain how they arrived at their asking price in meetings with both Sheikh Jassim and Ratcliffe.
In particular, the Americans will highlight the club’s global fanbase in comparison to Premier League rivals Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea.
Topics: Football, Premier League, Qatar, Manchester United
Chris Byfield