Man Utd takeover: ‘Preferred’ bidder named by Glazers as Erik ten Hag sees ‘transfer blocked’ amid wait for £6bn asking price

Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani has been revealed as the Glazers preferred bidder in the process to takeover Manchester United.

The investor from Qatar has been one of the most public bidders since the Glazers announced their intention to sell the club, with INEOS billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe another strong contender for a possible takeover.

The process has reached a third round of bidding with both men still in contention, although the procedure continues to drag out as the Glazers consider parting ways with the Old Trafford club.

Several reports have claimed Sheikh Jassim is the current frontrunner but that his latest bid does not meet the £6bn asking price set by the Glazers. It is reported to be over £5bn, however.

Sheikh Jassim is said to be keen on a full takeover while Ratcliffe’s bid would allow the Glazers to retain a stake in the club, with the INEOS chief executive taking a controlling interest.

It appears a decision on a new owner may not arrive until the season has concluded. Man United have four Premier League games remaining as they look to hold off Liverpool and secure a top-four spot while they will also face Manchester City in the FA Cup final on June 3.

The uncertainty around the takeover has meant Erik ten Hag has been unable to plan ahead with his summer business as he reportedly seeks a replacement for David De Gea.

The Red Devils boss is said to not know what his budget will be, and that his hopes of signing a new goalkeeper have been frustrated by the proposed takeover, according to talkSPORT.

Ten Hag wants to bring in better competition for De Gea, who made a costly error in the club’s 1-0 loss at West Ham last weekend as Liverpool moved one point behind Man United in the table.

The Red Devils do have a game in hand as they seek to seal a top-four spot in Ten Hag’s first season. De Gea is out of contract this summer but is reportedly set to be offered a new deal with another goalkeeper brought in to challenge him for the number one spot.