Manchester United owners the Glazer family could sell the club before the end of the 2022-23 season, with a potential timeline emerging.
The American family took over the club back in 2005, but have now confirmed they are open to offers for a takeover or for investment in the club. While a sale is not guaranteed, reports suggest a deal could be completed as early as the spring.
They are not the only owners of a major European club who could sell up in the coming months. Liverpool owners FSG have put together a presentation ahead of potential offers for the club, issuing a statement of their own.
According to The BBC, no official timescale has been put on the sale. However, United's owners appear to have a number of requirements and a prospect of a sale being completed before this season ends has emerged.
The Glazers are reportedly after a sum "far in excess" of the club's New York Stock exchange valuation of $3.65bn (£3.05bn). Any prospective buyer would also likely need to show signs of pushing ahead with work on improving Old Trafford.
The latest developments come just a few months after Chelsea came under new ownership. As The BBC notes, though, the situation there was different owing to sanctions against former owner Roman Abramovich, and new chief Todd Boehly completed his takeover after a short process.
" Manchester United plc, one of the most successful and historic sports clubs in the world, announces today that the Company’s Board of Directors is commencing a process to explore strategic alternatives for the club," a statement from the club read on November 22.
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"The process is designed to enhance the club's future growth, with the ultimate goal of positioning the club to capitalise on opportunities both on the pitch and commercially.
"As part of this process, the Board will consider all strategic alternatives, including new investment into the club, a sale, or other transactions involving the Company. This will include an assessment of several initiatives to strengthen the club, including stadium and infrastructure redevelopment, and expansion of the club’s commercial operations on a global scale, each in the context of enhancing the long-term success of the club’s men’s, women’s and academy teams, and bringing benefits to fans and other stakeholders."
The Glazers are believed to have set an asking price north of £6bn, though this figure is anticipated to drop. A number of potential interested parties have emerged since the initial announcement from the owners, with Britain's richest man Jim Ratcliffe among those to be mentioned, and there have also been reports that David Beckham - who spent much of his playing career with the club - could join a consortium ahead of a takeover.
