Qatari businessman Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad bin Jaber Al Thani is regarded as the ‘favourite’ to buy Manchester United.
The development is being reported by The Guardian ahead of representatives of Sheikh Jassim visiting Old Trafford later today.
He is planning to buy the club via his Nine Two Foundation, said to be named in reference to United’s famous ‘Class of ’92’.
All parties are currently conducting their due diligence as the takeover process progresses, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe set to personally visit Old Trafford on Friday.
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Sheikh Jassim ‘favourite’
The Guardian report Sheikh Jassim is emerging as the ‘favourite’ to buy Manchester United.
His offer to buy 100 per cent of the club is more financially lucrative than Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s plan to buy just the Glazers’ 69 per cent share.
He has also pledged to wiped out the club’s debt, which stands at approximately £500 million.
The report adds: “It is understood Thani is currently the favoured bidder of the Glazers due, in part, to his potential to open up business opportunities in his region to the American owners.”
It is also claimed the Glazers ‘ have not yet warmed to Ratcliffe’ ahead of his visit to Old Trafford this week.
Ratcliffe is set to attend Old Trafford personally on Friday, after watching Nice in the Europa Conference League on Thursday night.
Mystery buyers
The Telegraph report there are eight total bidders for Manchester United, including four for a full takeover.
Only two are currently known as they have gone public, Sheikh Jassim and Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
The report says: “Sources with knowledge of the process say there are two other parties interested in buying the club in its entirety.”
A sale could still be done by the end of April, it is claimed, with The Raine Group conducting the process.
Current manager Erik ten Hag is on record saying he is keen for a takeover to go ahead, with the added investment it would bring.