The Manchester United co-chairmen Joel Glazer and Avram Glazer are exploring the possibility of buying out their four siblings on the club board as prospective investors prepare to submit their proposals.
A soft deadline of February 17 has been set for interested parties to formally outline their strategy three months after the Glazers announced they had started a process "to explore strategic alternatives to enhance the club's growth".
Avram Glazer was in Dubai last week amid interest in selling a minority stake to Qatari investors. Glazer principally visited the Gulf state to watch the cricket franchise he owns, the Desert Vipers, who lost in the International League T20 final on Sunday.
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Qatari Sports Investment's ownership of Paris Saint-Germain means any Qatari approach would have to be through a consortium or an individual as Uefa rules prevent multi-ownership.
Sources have suggested Joel and Avram would be reluctant sellers as they remain invested in the running of United despite regular protests against their family's ownership.
Joel and Avram's siblings Bryan, Edward, Darcie and Kevin sit on the board of directors at United. The club announced on November 21 they would "consider all strategic alternatives, including new investment into the club, a sale, or other transactions".
Joel Glazer has not attended a United game since the Champions League quarter-final first leg home defeat to Barcelona. Avram ended his three-year exile to attend the opening weekend defeat to Brighton in August alongside Kevin.
Bryan Glazer was present with Joel and Avram when the family completed their hostile takeover of United in May 2005 and was in attendance for a number of games in the early years of their ownership, including the FA Cup final in 2007.
Kevin Glazer has only been seen at one United game during the 2005-06 campaign and Darcie Glazer Kassewitz has never attended a United match in Europe.
Failsworth-born Sir Jim Ratcliffe remains the only prospective buyer who has publicly declared his interest in buying United. Ratcliffe, 70, is a boyhood United fan who has embarked on sporting ventures by funding Eliud Kipchoge's successful effort to run a marathon inside two hours and Ben Ainslie's quest to win the America's Cup.
Ratcliffe also owns the cycling team Ineos Grenadiers and Ligue 1 club Nice.
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