Qatari media claim Manchester United sale could finally be completed 'in the next few hours'

The Manchester United takeover saga could be concluded within the next few hours, a Qatari outlet has claimed.

It has been almost seven months since the Glazers announced they were exploring “strategic alternatives” for the Old Trafford club, that could result in an outright sale.

The takeover saga has seen Ineos' Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani compete for the purchase of the Premier League giants.

It has been widely claimed Sheikh Jassim, who is looking to buy a 100 per cent stake in the United, is increasingly confident his proposal will come out on top.

The Qatari is thought to be leading the race, though is reportedly prepared for the possibility that the Glazers perform a dramatic U-turn and opt not to sell.

Meanwhile, Bloomberg financial reporter David Hellier suggested last week that Ratcliffe’s bid was “dead in the water”.

Though some outlets claim the English billionaire is still in the takeover race, his bid allegedly does not sit well with the club’s minority shareholders, who have reportedly told the Glazers not to accept the proposal.

Takeover could be completed in next few hours

Reports in Qatar claim Sheikh Jassim could be set to win the race to become United's new owner.

Qatari outlet Al Raya has claimed it is "expected that the Manchester United purchase contract will be signed by the Glazer family [...] within the next few hours".

The report added that Sheikh Jassim's camp “have now begun to express their confidence in the victory” with it thought to be “only a matter of time before the official announcement is made".

PA have previously claimed, citing sources, that the Qatari is merely keen to bring the matter to a “swift conclusion” with the process affecting the club’s transfer window.

Indeed, United legend Rio Ferdinand claimed on Monday, via his YouTube channel Vibe with Five, that there would be news from Old Trafford about the state of the sale the following day.