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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
George Smith

PSG president breaks silence on rumours he's involved in Sheikh Jassim's Man United takeover bid

Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has denied any involvement in Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani's quest to complete a takeover of Manchester United.

It was reported by The Athletic on Friday that the PSG chief had 'played a significant role in talks' over the purchase of United by a group led by Sheikh Jassim. The Qatari banker lodged a fifth and improved bid to buy the Reds on Wednesday after having reportedly become frustrated by the Glazers' ongoing hesitation.

Sheikh Jassim, who wants to gain full control of the club, tabled his first bid for United back in February and is one of the main frontrunners, taking up his position alongside British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe. The latter wants to buy a majority stake, whereas the Qatari wants full control.

The BBC has claimed that Al-Khelaifi was contacted by the Glazes last month as United's owners tried to get Sheikh Jassim to increase his offer, something he has, of course, since done. The latter has insisted throughout the whole process that his offers have been made in a personal capacity.

READ MORE: What happens next in the United takeover process?

"Paris Saint-Germain is my club, in my heart, and I have nothing to do with Manchester United," said Al-Khelaifi, as quoted by BBC Sport. "It makes me laugh.

"I am Qatari, right? If people ask me my opinion, I will answer them, for sure - and that's what they do.

"I am talking about anyone, not just Manchester United. I will give them the experience that I have. That's it."

Al-Khelaifi, who has been PSG's president since October 2011, has previously admitted that he spoke to a wealthy group who were keen to source advice around potential investment in two English clubs.

"I'm not going to mention them but one was small, the other big," he admitted. "I don't know who the guy was. But I told him my opinion."

Furthermore, the 49-year-old, who denies meeting with The Raine Group, the US bank handling the sale of United on behalf of the Glazers, has admitted that he supports fresh investment in football, both from Qatar and elsewhere.

"I want the best for European competitions," he added. "If it's within the regulation, why not? Not only Qatari, everyone."

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