Qatar bid for Manchester United ‘imminent’ while Beckham and Sir Alex approached

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A Qatar based bid for Manchester United is ‘imminent’ reports financial site Bloomberg.

Qatari investors are set to make an offer for Manchester United ahead of Friday’s deadline imposed by banking firm The Raine Group, who are overseeing the sale of the club.

There are mixed reports over who specifically in Qatar is backing the bid. The Telegraph report the offer will come from QIA, the Qatar Investment Authority.

QIA are a separate entity to QSI, the company who own Paris Saint-Germain, however, The Telegraph report UEFA would still have to be convinced there are no links between the two.

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QIA claim disputed

The report claiming the bid will come from QIA has been disputed by CBS Sports journalist Ben Jacobs.

He writes on Twitter: “Still told Qatar’s bid for #MUFC is likely to come from a private fund. QIA not expected to bid outright.

“Qatar will table their offer on Friday & dialogue continues between a variety of Qatar stakeholders. Sources close to QIA downplay a majority purchase directly through them.

“QIA have for sure been involved in discussions but it’s unlikely they will lead (in any front-facing sense) on a majority bid.

“And to reiterate again, QSI not involved. There thus remains confidence in separation and that the offer made will be highly competitive.”

It seems certain there is an offer coming from Qatar, however, who specifically, has not yet been revealed and will likely not be until at least when the actual offer is submitted, and potentially some time after.

The Telegraph do report there are no concerns about the Qatar bid failing the Premier League’s fit and proper person’s test.

Beckham and Sir Alex approached

With various groups looking to bid for Manchester United, some are said to be looking for ‘ambassadors’ to front their offers and back them, to win support from fans.

David Beckham has been ‘targeted several times’ by investors, however, has turned down approaches so far and has no involvement in the Qatar bid, The Telegraph reports.

Legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson is also believed to have been contacted over fronting up potential offers.

Earlier on Monday, The Mail reported American tech billionaire Elon Musk is monitoring the situation and could yet make an offer before Friday’s deadline.