One week remains until the apparent third and final deadline for bidders to table offers to acquire a stake in Manchester United.
It is still unclear what will happen; whether they will do a deal at all; whether that stake will be a majority, controlling one and see the Glazer family leave the club or a minority one, seeing the family sell some of the club in return for additional financing. Due diligence carried out by the interested parties is expected to conclude this week before next Friday's deadline.
Bids fronted by Sheikh Jassim and Sir Jim Ratcliffe remain the two main takeover proposals. American investment groups are also known to be interested in minority stakes.
READ MORE: All the latest United takeover news here
Here are the latest United takeover headlines:
Glazers eye 'even bigger payout'
The Glazer family see staying as owners as an opportunity to secure a more sizeable takeover in the future should success on the pitch continue, ESPN reports.
Should a minority stake be sold in the coming months, generating additional financing to redevelop Old Trafford, the Glazers could see their £6 billion asking price for the club grow to over £10 billion in the next decade if success continues under Erik ten Hag and the stadium is redeveloped, they claim.
The Glazers are also said to have been talking up the part they played in this season's success, namely appointing manager Ten Hag, plus using Chelsea as an example of a club struggling post-takeover.
Summer sale still on track
A takeover of the club could still be completed before the summer transfer window opens, CBS journalist Ben Jacobs claims.
“Even though there is a third round of bidding, we may not have to enter into a period of exclusivity after this. Or if there is one, it may be relatively short," Jacobs told The Content podcast (relayed by Football FanCast). Next Friday is the third and final deadline for offers from bidders to be submitted, after which a preferred bidder may be named.
“So there is still a chance that this gets done between now and when the transfer window opens, if the Glazers choose to proceed.”
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