Four finance groups based in the United States have allegedly put forward funding proposals for Manchester United.
As it stands, there are just two parties looking to complete a full takeover of the club, with Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani and Sir Jim Ratcliffe submitting their second offers.
On Thursday, a spokesperson for Ineos confirmed that Ratcliffe had made a new offer, and Sheikh Jassim's second bid, thought to be in the region of £5bn, is now in.
US hedge fund Elliott Management have reportedly made an offer to purchase a minority stake, while Finnish entrepreneur Thomas Zilliacus has made a bid which would involve the club's supporters taking on a key role.
Sheikh Jassim is said to still be the favourite to purchase the club from the Glazers, with Ratcliffe seemingly having ground to make up, but it is also being widely reported that the current owners of the Red Devils could decide against a full sale and instead bring in fresh investment.
© Reuters
According to Football Insider, at least four finance groups based in the US have submitted proposals to Raine Group - the bank instructed to oversee the sale by the Glazer family.
The Glazers are still said to value Man United at £6bn, and it is unlikely that either Sheikh Jassim or Ratcliffe would be prepared to come up to that price for the club.
The report, meanwhile, claims that the offer from Zilliacus is not being taken seriously at this stage, but there is also interest from US firm Ares Management.
There had initially been suggestions that a takeover could occur before the end of April, but it is now believed that the parties are working towards a deadline of June, as the proposed new owner would want to have a plan in place before the opening of the summer transfer window.
© Reuters
Man United co-owner Avram Glazer has pictured at the EFL Cup final last month, with the Red Devils lifting their first piece of silverware in six years courtesy of a win over Newcastle United.
"He was really happy for the club, as our owner. He wanted to be part of it. He was in the dressing room, it was good he was here. It showed his intentions," Man United boss Erik ten Hag told reporters at the time.
Ten Hag's success since arriving last summer allegedly means that the Dutchman will remain in place for the 2023-24 campaign even if the club changes hands in the next couple of months.
The Red Devils are still chasing success in the FA Cup and Europa League this season, while they are third in the Premier League table, three points clear of fifth-placed Newcastle.
Matt Law
