Manchester United's takeover has been the source of frustration among supporters for nearly eight months.
The Glazers announced in November they were seeking further financial investment in the club. One of the potential options at this stage was for United to be fully sold.
As time passed, Sir Jim Ratcliffe's offer which opened the door for Avram and Joel Glazer remaining at the club was seen as the favourite option among the Reds' ownership. However, in recent weeks Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani's full sale option is understood to be in pole position to get the takeover across the line.
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ALSO READ: Ratcliffe opens up on Glazers meeting before takeover bid
Whichever option United go for, there is no escaping the fact this has taken an age to push through. But, MEN Sport's takeover headlines looks at why this was always the most likely scenario.
Why United's takeover is taking so long to sort out
Manchester United supporters have been told they were sold a 'red herring' when it was suggested the takeover could be completed quickly, according to a sports finance expert.
In November, the Glazers announced they would be seeking alternative investment in the club with the prospect of a full sale on the cards. Progress has slowed since this announcement though with United currently no closer to resolving the takeover situation.
Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani and Sir Jim Ratcliffe are the two frontrunners to takeover the club with the former believed to be in the driving seat. Both offers are believed to be in the region of £5bn with some financial experts claiming this is a vast overpayment.
However, according to commercial and finance sports expert, Professor Rob Wilson, United's potential off the pitch is the reason why the two contenders are willing to bid so high. Speaking to Saxo, Professor Wilson said: "The reason someone would want to buy Manchester United is because it’s probably one of the most financially successful sport properties on the planet.
Read more from Professor Wilson here.
Ten Hag waiting on takeover to finalise his budget
Speaking to talkSPORT, The Athletic's David Ornstein has explained how the takeover is affecting Erik ten Hag's summer recruitment plan. "It's quite complicated because of the ownership situation at Man United about exactly what they're able to do," he explained.
"It was always quite clear that there would be budget for a Mason Mount level deal, but beyond that, not so certain. Of course, many people want to see the ownership situation clarified as quickly as possible and if there is to be a takeover, maybe more funds will be released.
"In terms of the operations on a day-to-day basis. John Murtough leading the recruitment set up, being regarded as business as usual, and so they are pursuing options in their priority positions, which are striker, and also goalkeeper, midfield was one of those.
"You don't know exactly how the chronology will go and it seems that Mason Mount has fallen first but they'll continue those pursuits."
