THE first public bid for Manchester United WILL be made by Qataris.
An offer is expected to be submitted with the Glazers’ deadline just days away.
The deeply unpopular American owners want offers sent in by this Friday, February 17, as they consider ending their 18-year reign.
They are demanding a world-record £6billion for the Old Trafford giants, who have not won a trophy since 2017 – although that figure may be lowered.
There have reportedly been talks between the Glazers and the Qatari investors.
But now that interest has been stepped up with a formal bid expected, as reported by Bloomberg.
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The report states the Qatar-based financers are “set to make an offer for Manchester United in the coming days” in a “move that would cement the country’s desire to become a major player in global sports”.
It is said the initial bid is being thrashed out with help from officials at the sovereign wealth fund, the Qatar Investment Authority.
However, it remains unclear if the Qatari interest has connections to the Qatari Sports Investment, the state-funded ground that owns Paris Saint-Germain and the possible ramifications that could have if both teams qualify for the Champions League.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is also interested in buying the Red Devils.
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The life-long supporter and Mancunian, who failed in his attempt to buy Chelsea last year, has recruited powerhouses JP Morgan and Goldman Sachs to help with his bid.
A David Beckham-led consortium, a group from Saudi Arabia and even Tesla and Twitter chief Elon Musk are also reportedly considering late offers.
Joel and Avram Glazer, alongside Raine, are leading takeover discussions with the United board being kept in the dark, according to The Athletic.
The Glazers reportedly believe the takeover process to be a family matter so club executives have been excluded from talks.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
