Man Utd takeover latest as ‘multiple parties’ still in the running after ‘£6bn’ Qatar sale claim made

A number of parties are still involved with negotiations over a potential takeover of Manchester United, despite several reports Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani was close to agreeing exclusivity over a possible sale.

Reuters reported on Thursday that United were looking at the possibility of exclusivity with the Qatari bid, meaning their offer would be the only one discussed between the parties. The reported offer is said to be worth a staggering £6bn.

The club’s share price has risen this week following reports of a successful Qatari bid, with the price rising to $25.54 upon release of the Reuters report and closing at $24.88 in New York.

But BBC Sport report discussions are continuing between multiple parties with INEOS owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe still keen to buy a majority stake in the club.

A number of rounds of bidding have taken place with the process dragging on past the end of the season, after the Glazers announced their intention to seek outside investment in November. Al-Watan, a Qatar news organisation owned by Sheikh Jassim’s father, reported his bid had been successful earlier this week. However, they later issued a clarification.

Last week, Sheikh Jassim said he would walk away from the drawn-out process if his latest bid was not accepted by Friday, June 9. However, that offer remains valid and it is for 100 per cent of the club, while Ratcliffe is seeking a majority stake which would allow the Glazers to retain some of their shares.

On Thursday, ex-United defender Rio Ferdinand claimed he had been told ‘from a good source’ a takeover by Qatar could be completed ‘imminently.

“The Man United takeover is imminent,” Ferdinand said on YouTube. “We are hearing the Qatari bid is the one that has been accepted, the one that is imminent and the one that is going to go through. Hallelujah, man. I cannot wait. Please let this happen.

“Look how long this has gone on for. The Glazers have dug their heels in. It will go to the biggest bidder which is normal in negotiations but I want this to be resolved before the transfer window kicks in and now it is opening and starting to move.”

He added: “I have woken up every day hoping that every day there will be a bid accepted. We are hearing that it is close. It will happen in a matter of days... if not a matter of hours. If it does not, we do not know how much money we have to spend and United will be playing catch up. So fingers crossed this information is really true – I have it from a good source that it is true.”