SAUDI ARABIA’S sports minister has fuelled talk of a potential Manchester United takeover by admitting: “Anything is possible.”
Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal claims the Middle Eastern country’s Royal family could yet replace the Glazers at Old Trafford after reportedly having two offers rejected in October.
A Saudi Arabian takeover of Manchester United is still on the cardsCredit: PA:Press Association
Crown prince Mohammed bin Salman is said to remain keen on buying the Red Devils.
And a £3.8billion deal could be on the cards if the Glazers decide to call time on their 14-year stint at the club, with SunSport exclusively revealing co-owner Kevin is set to sell his 13 per cent stake.
Saudi’s sports minister told the BBC: “Anything is possible in the future.
“Now we are focused on developing the local scene and we have invested a lot of money in football clubs within the kingdom.”
However, United chief Ed Woodward recently claimed the Glazers have absolutely no intention of selling up in the near future.
He told United We Stand: “Based on what I see, they’re in it for the long-term.
“With regards to offers or asking prices, my understanding is that there have been no discussions for a price for the club or anything like that.
“Every conversation we have is based on the long-term.”
The Glazer estate is estimated by Forbes to be worth around £3.6bn as of 2015.
However, Bin Salman has a personal fortune of £7bn, not to mention the entire wealth of Saudi Arabia behind him.
He would be sure to give Ole Gunnar Solskjaer unlimited resources to rebuild United’s squad.
The Red Devils are sixth in the Premier League table after Wednesday’s 2-1 home win over Spurs and former boss Jose Mourinho.
However, United are already 22 points behind leaders and fierce rivals Liverpool.
But fourth-place Chelsea are just eight points ahead and potentially catchable between now and the end of the season.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
