There will be ‘at least five bids’ submitted for Manchester United this evening ahead of the 9pm deadline for takeover proposals.
Qatar’s Sheikh Jassim bin Hamas Al Thani has been among the most high-profile suitors for the Premier League side and it is understood the delegation from the Gulf state is set to submit a world-record offer.
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The most expensive sports team in history was the sale of the Denver Broncos for £3.75bn last year, but the bids for Manchester United are set to be significantly more than that figure.
Sky Sports are reporting that the Glazer family value the club at around £6bn, though the highest of the first-rounds bids came in at around £4.5bn.
Wednesday’s night’s deadline will see second offers submitted and Sheikh Al Thani is a leading contender, alongside British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
The latter failed with an approach to buy Chelsea last year and has been vocal in his interest in taking charge at Old Trafford. However, the 70-year-old – whose INEOS chemical company also own France’s Nice and Swiss Super League side Lausanne-Sport – this week suggested he would not overpay for the Red Devils.
That duo have dominated the headlines in the takeover race, but it is understood that at least five proposals will be submitted to the Raine Group – the merchant bank overseeing the sale. Elliott Management are another known bidder, while Ares, MSD Partners and Oaktree Capital are all believed to be interested.
There remains no guarantee that the Glazer family will sell the club, should their valuation not be met. The Americans could also yet decide on the sale of a minority stake, with not all the offers for a complete takeover.
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