"News from a very good source.." - Rio Ferdinand reveals 'big issue' delaying Sheikh Jassim's Man Utd takeover

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand claims that there has been a 'big issue' delaying Sheikh Jassim's attempts to take over the club.

The club's takeover process has been ongoing for over seven months, with Qatari businessman Jassim - through his Nine Two Foundation - and British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe among those battling to emerge victorious.

Speculation has surrounded Ratcliffe's bid over recent days, with Bloomberg financial expert David Hellier claiming that he has been told the bid is 'dead in the water'. The same outlet reported last week that Sheikh Jassim's camp were 'confident' that they would be successful.

But journalist Ben Jacobs has told GiveMeSport that the British billionaire, and his petrochemicals company INEOS, are still in the race to take over United.

Meanwhile, Ferdinand has claimed why Jassim's attempts have been delayed.

Ferdinand on Sheikh Jassim takeover

Speaking on his YouTube podcast, 'Vibe with FIVE', Ferdinand explained: " I had some news from a very good source, my great source at Manchester United.

"Things were running quite smoothly and it was going down the right path but then obviously [it hit a bump]. I think the big issue is, when you're dealing with a group of people rather than an individual, it makes things very complex and difficult at times.

"You're not dealing with one individual with the Glazers - I think Sir Jim Ratcliffe came out and said it."

Earlier in the podcast, Ferdinand claimed that news on the takeover could be announced imminently.

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When asked by co-host Joel Beya about any latest updates on the process, the former United defender responded: "I was talking to [David] Ornstein man, he's got good knowledge as well. But we've got good sources, yeah. Stay tuned on this."

Ornstein has previously claimed that United's transfer business this summer could be affected by the takeover uncertainty, although the club are closing in on the signing of Mason Mount from Chelsea.

The Athletic report that the club have £100 million to spend this summer, although that is due to Financial Fair Play (FFP) restrictions.