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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Matthew Abbott

Manchester United takeover latest: Glazers in 'standoff' with bidders as revised offers expected

As representatives come and go from Old Trafford this week, further details about the Manchester United sale process continue to emerge.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe's INEOS Group and Qatari Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani are the two known bidders for a majority takeover of the club. Representatives from both parties are set to be subject to separate presentations from the club as the process continues.

Elliott Management have already been at Old Trafford and are a financing option for other bidders. Here are the latest takeover headlines:

READ MORE: Alejandro Garnacho issues injury update and takeover latest

Glazers 'standoff'

The Glazer family are reportedly in a 'standoff' with the prospective bidders as NBC Sports, via the Mirror, reiterate recent reports of a delay to the deadline for selling.

As the Telegraph reported over the weekend, the plan was to sell before the end of the first quarter, which would be the end of March. That prospect is no longer realistic as the second stage has yet to conclude.

The delay is due to a difference in valuations for the football club, with both bidders thought to be around £500million short of the Glazers' minimum asking price. That has created a 'standoff' which requires a compromise one way or another.

Revised bids anticipated

The second stage of the sale process could reportedly conclude as early as the end of this week, according to ESPN. Revised bids will also apparently be asked for after this stage is over.

Presentations are being made to prospective bidders on behalf of the club, and it is reported that the focus of these meetings is to explain why the Glazers' valuation is what it is (claims range between £5 billion and £6 billion). United's global fanbase, compared to Chelsea and Liverpool, is apparently being particularly highlighted.

ESPN sources reiterate the widely reported belief that Qatari Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani 'will not overpay'. That is despite the club being 'underwhelmed by the opening expressions of interest'.

Sheikh Jassim brings in bank

Qatari Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani has reportedly sought the assistance of Bank of America to determine a final valuation for United, according to the Sun.

Representatives from the multinational investment bank are said to be a part of meetings between the club and Sheikh Jassim's people due to take place before Thursday. It is reported that Friday will be when those working on behalf of Sir Jim Ratcliffe are at Old Trafford.

They also report that another three hedge funds, as well as Elliott are interested in financing a takeover. Ares Management, Oaktree and MSD Partners, who assisted in a takeover at Burnley and have previously loaned Derby County money, are the ones named.

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