SHEIKH JASSIM has launched a last-ditch bid to buy Manchester United.
The Qatari remains eager to buy the Red Devils, despite Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos being selected as preferred bidder.
Ratcliffe’s offer would see Ineos purchase a majority stake in United, with the Glazers remaining as minority shareholders, which would be hugely unpopular with fans.
Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani, meanwhile, wants to buy the club in its entirety.
And he has “significantly” improved his bid which as before is for 100 per cent of the club, will clear all debt and includes a separate fund directed solely at the club and community.
But it is still said to value United at a lower price than Ratcliffe’s.
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The Times claims the new Qatari offer falls short of Ratcliffe’s valuation, which could end up close to £6billion.
But Sheikh Jassim is offering to buy 100 per cent of the club now, for a price nearer to £5billion.
Insiders insist the Qatari offer represents a significant increase on their opening bid.
And if Sheikh Jassim wins, PSG’s Brazil legend Neymar is said to remain a serious target.
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Sheikh Jassim’s last-ditch offer comes after Avram Glazer was spotted leaving a hotel owned by the takeover hopeful’s father.
Pictures published by The Mirror showed Glazer leaving Claridge’s.
The hotel is parent company of the Maybourne Hotel Group, owned by Sheikh Jassim’s father, Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani.
A huge complication over the five-month selling process, which has seen THREE rounds of bidding, was the growing desire by co-chairmen Joel and Avram Glazer to remain at the club.
But the American family are finally ready to sell United — and Ratcliffe remains the frontrunner.
Ratcliffe and his Ineos petro-chemicals giant have been engaged in a drawn-out bidding war with Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani for ownership of British football’s biggest club.
The Glazers’ chosen deal-makers, the US-based Raine Group, are expected to confirm the “winning” bid within days.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
