Manchester United fans continue to wait for the club's takeover to be finalised.
The Glazers announced their decision to 'seek strategic alternatives' all the way back in November but progress has been slow. Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim and INEOS owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe quickly emerged as frontrunners and, along with United fans, are now stuck waiting to see whose bid, if any, will be successful.
Reports earlier in the week suggested it was 'only a matter of hours' until Sheikh Jassim signed paperwork to seal his takeover, but there has been no official update since. Indeed, reports on Wednesday suggested Sheikh Jassim now has doubts over whether the Glazers will sell at all.
While it has also been claimed the lack of progress is impacting United's work in the summer transfer window.
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READ MORE: What Erik ten Hag told Mason Mount after he signed for Manchester United
Here are the latest takeover headlines from MEN Sport.
Sheikh Jassim 'uncertain'
Sheikh Jassim is 'increasingly uncertain' that the Glazers will sell United, it has been claimed.
The Guardian reports that the Qatari banker is 'yet to receive a response to a fifth bid of about £6bn lodged four weeks ago'. The Sheikh set a self-imposed deadline following that bid as his camp believe the Glazers have had ample time to seek clarification over the offer.
Reports at the time claimed he has become increasingly frustrated with the takeover process although The Guardian report adds that he 'is aware the lack of clarity means the situation could change quickly'.
Transfer activity 'on hold'
It has also been claimed that United have informed agents that any further transfer activity is on hold until the conclusion of the takeover process.
While United announced the signing of Mason Mount on Wednesday, The Athletic reports that agents were 'given the impression that any additional signings would have to wait for clarity on a takeover.' United boss Erik ten Hag has made no secret of his desire to bring in a top-class centre-forward this summer, while uncertainty around David de Gea's future means a new No.1 may also be needed.
The Manchester Evening News understands that United are also monitoring midfielders Sofyan Amrabat and Romeo Lavia in the hope of bringing in another midfielder, although all of those signings may now have to be put on the back burner until new owners are installed.
With United having a strict budget of around £120million to work with this summer due to Financial Fair Play constraints, the report adds that the club could wait to see if new owners can provide a fresh injection of money to boost that figure before they press ahead with any further signings.
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