Sheikh Jassim is ‘on the brink of almost being able to acquire Manchester United’, it has been claimed. But with the Glazers keen to get as much money as possible, it’s the same with competitor Sir Jim Ratcliffe. The situation endured a couple of fresh twists on Friday but, still, the saga continues to rumble on.
It emerged on Friday that Sheikh Jassim would leave his offer for United on the table, despite previously vowing to abandon his pursuit if his fifth offer wasn’t accepted.
And news also broke of the Qatari billionaire leasing with Paris Saint-Germain chief Nasser Al-Khelaifi, with the Glazers happy with the 49-year-old acting as a middleman having suggested the talks.
Now, according to journalist Ben Jacobs, Sheikh Jassim is ‘almost on the brink of being ready to acquire the club’.
But it’s the same with Ratcliffe, which suggests the Glazers are keeping all their options open as they look to get as high a price as possible.
“Each has been forced to do a lot of very advanced work in terms of due diligence, and logistics, which would commonly be associated with a preferred bidder in an exclusive period,” he told GiveMeSport.
“But we have two groups doing them, so two groups are being put on the brink of almost being ready to acquire Manchester United football club without actually knowing yet whether or not they’ll be successful.
Man Utd takeover: Garnacho could be set for awkward reunion after Sheikh Jassim approval
“And that’s why the process has been so uncertain.”
Jacobs told the same publication on Friday that Sheikh Jassim’s latest bid was ‘appealing’ for United.
“Both Sheikh Jassim and INEOS want the deal done as soon as possible,” he said.
“From the Nine Two Foundation’s perspective, the fifth offer is improved, and it’s pushing $6.5billion.
“I use dollars because that is the currency of the actual transaction.
“The Nine Two Foundation argue that, on top of that, there is $1billion of pledged investment.
“The pledged investment is irrelevant to the process, but vital to Manchester United.
“But the Glazers are only looking at one number, which is the club’s valuation. Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s club valuation remains higher.
“The thing to understand about the Nine Two Foundation is that their offer clears the debt, values the club and has pledged investment on top.
“It sounds very appealing as far as the future and health of Manchester United is concerned.”
However, the situation remains uncertain.
Erik ten Hag wants to know who will hold power at Old Trafford as soon as possible as he looks to strengthen his squad.
Want the latest football news? Join our brand new Facebook group by clicking here
And the Dutchman wants at least four signings if the club are to challenge Manchester City for Premier League and Champions League supremacy next season.
United are eyeing a new striker, with Wout Weghorst primed to return to Burnley.
Harry Kane, Victor Osimhen and Rasmus Hojlund are all on their radar amid their exploits for Tottenham, Napoli and Atalanta this season.
Another midfielder is being targeted, amid an expectancy Marcel Sabitzer won’t be recruited on a permanent basis.
Mason Mount is the club’s priority target, with the Chelsea star bracing himself for a move away from Stamford Bridge.
United are open to landing a new right-back, despite Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka improving under Ten Hag.
And they’d love to bring in a new goalkeeper, too, even though David De Gea is expected to sign a new contract with the club.
Speaking after United lost 2-1 to Manchester City in last weekend’s FA Cup final, Ten Hag insisted he’d fight for what he wanted.
“I have only one plan: that is to improve this club and to improve this team,” he said.
“I will fight for [it]. I have my ideas and I already told the club what we have to do for that.
“But I have to work with my staff, with my players to be better next season.”
For all the latest Sports News Click Here
For the latest news and updates, follow us on Google News.
