British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reportedly still the leading candidate to complete a takeover of Manchester United despite the lack of recent progress.
Ratcliffe is only believed to be looking for a controlling stake of Man United at this moment in time, which would be around 51%, potentially seeing the Glazers remain at the club with a minority shareholding of 20%.
The offer from Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani, on the other hand, is said to be for 100% of the club, which would see the Glazer family end their association with the Red Devils.
Last week, it was suggested that the preferred bidder for the club was close to being named, but there have not been any serious developments over the last seven days or so.
According to Sky Sports News, Man United directors held a meeting on Thursday to discuss the takeover situation, but a final decision on a preferred bidder was not made.
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The report claims that Ratcliffe is still the leading candidate to buy the club, although Sheikh Jassim remains in the running despite recent claims that he has cooled his interest.
Sheikh Jassim had allegedly initially been told the asking price for Man United was £5.2bn, but the Glazer family then raised it to £6bn, which has seen the bidder consider his position.
The Qatari banker is said to be desperate to become the owner of a Premier League club, with West Ham United reportedly being identified as an alternative to the Red Devils.
Ratcliffe's offer is thought to involve a clause which would see him buy the remaining shares owned by the Glazers after three years.
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The bid from the Ineos is thought to value Man United in the region of £5.5bn, which is still short of the £6bn asking price allegedly set by the Glazer family.
The current owners have also been open to bringing in minority investment, but it does appear that Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim will go head-to-head to complete a takeover.
Man United ended their six-year trophy drought earlier this year by winning the EFL Cup, while they will take on Manchester City in the FA Cup final next weekend.
Erik ten Hag's side have also secured a top-four position in the Premier League table, and they will be aiming to claim third when they face Fulham on the final matchday of the 2022-23 campaign.
Matt Law
