Finnish businessman Thomas Zilliacus has admitted that he would welcome a joint-bid from any other interested party after submitting an offer to buy Manchester United.
The Finn, who has previously been the chairman of Finnish side HJK Helsinki, announced on Thursday that he had tabled a unique offer to try and complete a takeover of the club, saying that he would buy half of United and allow the supporters to buy the other half. He submitted his offer through XXI Century Capital, who are an investment firm owned by his holding company.
His bid comes via supporter involvement, allowing them to buy a stake in the club and have an equal say via an app. Zilliacus emerged as a late contender in the bidding race, even though British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who submitted a second and improved offer on Thursday evening, and Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani were granted extensions beyond Wednesday's 9pm deadline set by the Raine Group.
READ MORE: The Glazers aren't getting what they wanted with United takeover
Having confirmed that he had entered the bidding race, the Finn has now admitted that he would be happy to join forces with a rival bidder to put together a joint-bid to try and complete a takeover, but warned he will not go to "crazy levels" to buy the Reds.
"We do have the financing and the Glazers know very well that the world is not flush with money, there is an awful lot of money around that is looking for interest in investment opportunities with good returns," Zilliacus told Sky Sports. "I think this can be one of those.
"So to finance the bid, frankly, I do not see that as a big obstacle. I think that is something that is already available. Like I have said, we have financing available for whatever is required.
"But as I have also said, we are not going to go to crazy levels. One thing which I may want to add is that, from what I have been reading, there are about five other bidders also interested in the club.
"We would be happy to talk with the other bidders and join forces with one or many of those, if they feel the same way as we do about involving the fans, about bringing these values to the forefront of what Manchester United is all about. If we think the same way, we have no problem at all.
"Look, from our perspective, yes, we want to make money out of this, but it is not about us specifically owning a majority; it is about people who think the same way owning the club and bringing it forward in the way that the club, in my view, should be brought forward."
Issuing a message to United's supporters, Zilliacus added: "I would like to say to the fans that we want you guys to be involved in deciding the club's future, where it is going, how it is going and what is happening at the club, just like many other clubs in Europe are being run, so that the fans do have a say.
"We want the Manchester United fans, and not only the ones sitting in Manchester, but also around the world, to have that opportunity. That is my message to the fans. Therefore, I hope that they will also publicly voice their support for our bid."
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