Glazers ‘want full sale of Man Utd by end of MARCH’ – but £7billion price tag is seen as ‘unrealistic’

THE GLAZERS are reportedly planning to complete a sale of Manchester United by the end of March.

Joel and Avram Glazer decided to place the club on the market at the end of last month due to pressure from their four siblings who’ve wanted to cash in since 2012.

The brothers considered buying their siblings out and consulted private equity firm Apollo about the idea.

Investment banking group The Raine Group are now acting as financial advisors to the family and have valued the club between £6- £7billion.

But financial experts feel that asking price may be a little high given the price of club shares, report The Athletic.

United’s stock price has risen from £10.61 to £16.28 per share since the sale was announced, but it is felt that price should have increased more sharply to reflect the £7bn demand.

In fact, shares have decreased from a high of £18.50 last week.

It is believed only nation-states would be able, or willing, to pay upwards of £7bn.

While Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund may be interested, Qatar’s Supreme Committee reportedly believe Premier League clubs are now valued too high.

And investors from Dubai are now more interested in tourism, with ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum a Liverpool fan.

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That opens the door to other bidders – and there is no shortage of interest despite the hefty price tag, with Raine keen to avoid timewasters.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe approached the Glazers in the summer about buying the club and is expected to enter the running, though will likely need help from other investors.

Indian businessman Mukesh Ambani, worth a reported £73bn, has also been tipped as a possible interested party.

There is also reported interest from Facebook and Amazon, though a spokesperson from the later refused to comment on the rumour.

Apple and clothing giant Zara have also moved to deny they were considering a bid.

There could also be offers from the various American parties that tried to buy Chelsea earlier this year.

Sir Martin Broughton organised a consortium to purchase the Blues, as did Atalanta owner Stephen Pagliuca – both are being linked to United.

However, Raine are yet to hold serious talks with any interested party.

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk