With Wednesday's deadline fast approaching, all eyes at Manchester United are on the club's potential takeover.
Fans are eagerly awaiting the third stage of the sale process, as the Glazers brace themselves for up to eight fresh bids before the clock ticks to 9pm. Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani still the favourites if the American family opt to completely walk away from Old Trafford, although there's still the possibility of a minority share being sold off.
Following a positive visit to Manchester last Friday, INEOS chief executive Ratcliffe recently revealed in an interview that he wouldn't pay "stupid" money in order to beat his Qatari rival, while Sheikh Jassim has remained silent. Aside from the takeover saga, Erik ten Hag is looking ahead to the end of the season and plotting a strong start to the summer transfer window.
Here's a round-up of the latest news from Old Trafford.
Sheikh Jassim ups bid to £5.5bn
Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani is poised to increase his offer for Manchester United to an eye-watering £5.5billion. Initial bids from the Qatari banker and INEOS chief executive Sir Jim Ratcliffe came in around the £4.5bn mark which was well short of the £6bn wanted by the Glazers.
While Oldham-born billionaire Ratcliffe is also understood to have upped his bid for United, he's not thought to have gone as high as £5.5bn. The deadline for fresh proposals has been set for 9pm on Wednesday by Raine, the merchant bank who've been tasked with overusing United's sale process.
Read the full story HERE.
Ratcliffe given takeover boost
In more pleasing news for Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Manchester United executives were impressed by the sporting expertise outlined by his INEOS sports group during meetings which lasted six hours on Friday. Ratcliffe's entourage included Sir Dave Brailsford - the former cycling chief who now serves as the petrochemical giant's director of sport - and should INEOS end up as the club's next owners, he'll be tasked with overhauling United's sporting structure.
Sources with direct knowledge of the detailed discussions believe that INEOS' familiarity with running elite sports teams will be seen as a significant advantage over Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani's bid. Ratcliffe even met manager Erik ten Hag during his tour of the club's Carrington training complex, shaking hands with the Dutch boss.
Read the full story HERE.
Image:
PA)Ten Hag eyes ex-Liverpool midfielder
Manchester United are reported to have made 'serious contact' with the representatives of former Liverpool midfielder Marko Grujic, with Erik ten Hag eyeing a transfer move. During the international break, the United manager is drawing up plans to bolster his squad over the summer.
Grujic, 26, now plays for Porto and has impressed over three seasons with the Portuguese giants, piquing Ten Hag's interest. Telegraf are reporting that contact has been made regarding the Serbia international, who's also a target for Italian heavyweights AC Milan.
Read the full story HERE.
