There is an update in the Manchester United takeover battle after a brief lull in activity.
A fortnight ago a second round of offers were submitted by bidders. These were then assessed by The Raine Group, the investment banking firm overseeing the sale process on behalf of the Glazers.
Now it is being reported a third round of bidding is being expected to be held.
A new deadline has been set for these bids for the end of April.
‘Two bidders through’
Manchester United’s ownership battle will go down to yet another round of bidding. It is expected this will be the final one.
CBS Sports Ben Jacobs reports: “There will be a third round of bidding in the #MUFC sale process. Groups have until the end of April to make next offers.
“Can confirm Sheikh Jassim and Sir Jim Ratcliffe are both through.”
There is no word on other bidders, which include US investment firm Elliott, who are proposing to buy a minority stake.
Sheikh Jassim is proposing a 100 per cent takeover, while Sir Jim Ratcliffe‘s Ineos plan to buy the Glazers’ 69 per cent stake in the club.
It is not a surprise to see the Glazers drag this out as long as possible. They know there is competition to buy the club from the Qatari bid and Ineos, and they will be pushing to set them against each other and land the biggest price possible.
Manchester United fans meanwhile just want clarity, and final confirmation the Glazers will go. The longer this is strung out, the more anxiety there will be.
It is also not good for the team for this to drag on into the transfer window. But when have the Glazers ever really cared about what is best for Manchester United?
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