The Manchester United takeover has entered a third round of bidding as the process seems set to roll on into the final weeks and months of the season.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe's bid on behalf of INEOS and the Sheikh Jassim-backed Nine Two Foundation remain in the running to become the club's new owners, while Elliott Management are a potential minority investor and the Glazer family could even opt to retain their controlling stake. Despite declining to submit a new bid, Thomas Zilliacus says his proposal remains on the table, plus the prospect of a premium payment being made.
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Here are the latest United takeover headlines:
Glazers 'leaning towards' minority investment
The Glazers are reportedly 'leaning towards' staying as United's majority owners and instead sanctioning the sale of a minority stake in the club, the Independent reports.
Concerns continue to grow about any appetite to relinquish control as their apparent asking price is unmet, hence a third round of bidding beginning at the invitation of The Raine Group overseeing the process. That follows claims of bafflement from inside the bidding groups at the pace of proceeding and lack of updates.
No preferred bidder emerging from the second round of proposals is said to only give more credence to the idea that United's owners may stay the same.
Zilliacus U-turn
Thomas Zilliacus remains interested in acquiring United and has not withdrawn the takeover bid tabled last month, BBC Sport reports.
The Finnish entrepreneur labeled the whole process a farce in declining the opportunity to submit a new offer, but is now willing to pay a premium on what was initially offered to do a deal and is calling on the Glazer family to put a price on United.
"My earlier offer still stands, and I am willing to pay a premium above what I offered," Zilliacus has told the BBC's How To Buy A Football Club podcast.
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