Reports in Qatar have claimed Manchester United's protracted takeover could reach its conclusion 'in the next few hours'.
The Glazers announced in November their plan to 'seek strategic alternatives' for the Premier League club, with Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim and British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe soon emerging as the frontrunners to take over at Old Trafford. Five rounds of bidding have followed, with Sheikh Jassim setting a self-imposed deadline last month due to his camp feeling the current owners had had ample time to seek or request clarification and revision of the bid.
The Qatari is aiming to take full control of the club, while Ratcliffe is believed to have been seeking a controlling stake that would see the Glazers remain ahead of a phased departure. United's share price has risen by 3.45 per cent over the past five days amid the ongoing takeover saga.
