THE Qataris wanting to buy Manchester United are set to launch an improved second bid, according to reports.
Representatives for Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad al-Thani were given a tour of Old Trafford and the Carrington training ground, both of which need updating.
SunSport pictures showed the visitors at the stadium and protected by club-branded umbrellas before getting into black Mercedes people carriers to make the trip to Carrington.
And there they sat down for TEN HOURS of positive talks on Thursday to discuss the possible takeover.
That included discussions with various departments including financial executives and recruitment staff across both the football and business sides of the club.
However, neither the Glazers nor Sheikh Jassim were present, while Erik ten Hag was in Spain as United beat Real Betis to reach the Europa League quarter-finals.
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The Daily Mail state Sheikh Jassim has now reportedly been given until the middle of next week – likely Wednesday – to make a second bid with final offers needed to be in by Easter.
And The Times report he is expected to improve the initial £5billion offer submitted in February.
Current owners the Glazers remain defiant in their £6bn asking price for United.
Sheikh Jassim, a member of the Qatari royal family, sent his delegation to meet the Glazers’ deal brokers, the Raine Group.
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Shahzad Shahbaz, president of the Nine Two Foundation set up as the vehicle for the proposed takeover, attended with his legal, corporate and investment adviser, Fady Bakhos.
Both men are expected to be senior figures at the club if the Qatari bid is successful.
Today there will be a similar tour for Sir Jim Ratcliffe, one of Britain’s richest men, who heads up the Ineos delegation which includes ex-British Cycling chief Sir Dave Brailsford.
The Ineos team arrived at Old Trafford this morning.
Ratcliffe wants to buy out the Glazers’ majority stake – 69 per cent – while the Qataris want full control.
Two further unnamed groups are reportedly in contention to buy United while there have been various investment offers, including from Elliott Management.
It is still unclear if the Raine Group will progress into the next phase of the process with one exclusive bid or multiple offers.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
