Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani has tabled an improved fifth bid for Manchester United but has made it clear it must be accepted by Friday - or he is out.
The Qatari has been one of two front-runners in the takeover process alongside INEOS chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe, but the saga has dragged on for months. Sheikh Jassim had made the bid directly with the Glazers and the Raine Group, but wants an answer by Friday, at which point he won't negotiate with them further.
Sheikh Jassim's bid is for total control of the Premier League club, as per the Daily Mail, and is thought to include major investment in the club's infrastructure, which has been majorly neglected under the current ownership.
The Glazers had set a final bidding deadline of April 28 but no decision has yet been made, which has seen the Glazers cop further criticism. There is no guarantee that the Americans even choose to sell up with some believing the process has been done to gauge investment interest and potential profit.
They are seeking £6bn if they are to part with the Manchester club, which the latest offer still does not match. Many view the Glazers asking price as excessive, especially given the investment that would be needed in the stadium, training ground and playing squad.
Ratcliffe's offer is for a majority stake in the Premier League outfit, but could allow the Glazers to remain involved in some capacity. The process at Old Trafford first began in November and there is mounting frustration about the length of time it has taken.
Avram Glazer was present at the FA Cup final at Wembley, where he sat next to Sir Alex Ferguson and David Gill. Upon his exit he was quizzed on any update regarding the takeover, but remain tight-lipped as he walked out.
Gary Neville, who has been outspoken against the current ownership for some years, has recently slammed their approach to the takeover process. He said: "Plainly obvious the Glazer family aren’t going to announce anything on the ownership until the season is closed! They’ve been spinning it out unprofessionally for weeks and months now.
"They know fan protests would have been more significant than they already have if matches were still being played and the end result of the sale process is unpopular. Basically any family members staying in would be deemed unacceptable by all fans. Is this why they’re holding off?"
