The latest deadline for Manchester United takeover offers to be submitted is at 9pm on Wednesday.
After weeks of meetings at Old Trafford between interested parties and United executives, formal offers must be made to the Raine group and the Glazer family to evaluate. A preferred bidder could be selected from the proposals and begin an exclusivity period, or the bidding could continue until a suitable offer arises in the eyes of the owners.
Further information about the direction of travel will no doubt follow in the coming days and weeks. Here are the latest United takeover headlines:
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Government 'welcome' Qatari investment
UK government figures would privately welcome Qatari investment into United, according to Politico.
Government interference should not be an issue should Sheikh Jassim be successful in becoming a preferred bidder, with those close to the interested party said to be confident of succeeding and avoiding added scrutiny. One minister has even said such a takeover would be a good investment for the community if assurances come.
An unnamed senior trade envoy insists the UK should “absolutely be embracing foreign investment into this country from the Middle East, whether in football or green energy”.
Share price soars
Manchester United's share price has risen by six per cent ahead of the deadline for takeover bids today.
Last week the price dropped to its lowest point of the year as reports surfaced that the Glazers were perhaps having second thoughts about selling the Reds. However, since then, the markets have reacted positively to matters both on and off the pitch.
Representatives from both the Qatari team led by Sheikh Jassim and the bid from Sir Jim Ratcliffe visited Old Trafford last week to have discussions with club officials. Then, on Sunday, United reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup thanks to a comeback 3-1 victory over Fulham at Old Trafford. Those factors combined are believed to have boosted the share price.
Deadline important to transfer plans
United fans continue to be polarised by their preferred choice to purchase the club, but what is clear is that any interested party must be committed to building upon the solid foundations that have already been laid this season.
No matter what happens in the closing months of the campaign, United have already achieved their targets under Erik ten Hag, by winning a trophy and looking assured of a top-four finish to go with it.
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