Manchester United received a second takeover offer before the soft deadline passed and it came from Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani.
After the much-maligned Glazer family confirmed their plans to sell the club in November, prospective bidders were given until 10pm on Friday night to submit and formalise their interest. However, in terms of any takeover, that was seen as a first benchmark.
A statement from Al Thani confirmed his approach to purchase United in its entirety as well as ridding the club of any debts. But what else do we know about the man behind this latest bid?
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Who is Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani?
Born in 1982, the prospective buyer is said to be a lifelong United supporter. His father, Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabar Al Thani, served as Qatar's Prime Minister between 2007 and 2013 - renowned himself in sporting circles due to Qatari ownership of French side Paris Saint-Germain.
Al Thani was educated in the United Kingdom at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, where he graduated as officer cadet. He currently serves as chairman of QIB (Qatar Islamic Bank) - which is one of the leading banks in the country having been established in 1982.
QIB boasts headquarters across the world including one in the UK. Al Thani was previously a board member at member at Credit Suisse Group AG and Credit Suisse AG Zurich.
Which other parties are interested in an offer?
Having long-since been linked with a takeover, or at least investing in his boyhood club, British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe formalised his intent to purchase United in January. Sir Jim was born and raised in the Manchester area and rose to prominence through his world-renowned chemical business INEOS.
He spoke about discussions with the Glazer family last year. It is understood there are other would-be buyers from the United States as well as further links to Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
What did the statement from Al Thani say?
A statement released to broadcast and written media on Friday night read: "Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani today confirmed his submission of a bid for 100 per cent of Manchester United Football Club. The bid plans to return the club to its former glories both on and off the pitch and - above all - will seek to place the fans at the heart of Manchester United Football Club once more.
"The bid will be completely debt free via Sheikh Jassim's Nine Two Foundation, which will look to invest in the football teams, the training centre, the stadium and wider infrastructure, the fan experience, and communities the club supports.
"The vision of the bid is for Manchester United Football Club to be renowned for footballing excellence, and regarded as the greatest football club in the world. More details of the bid will be released, when appropriate, if and when the bid process develops."
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