It is almost seven months since the Glazer family announced plans to either sell Manchester United or welcome fresh investment. The saga remains ongoing and supporters' patience is beginning to wear increasingly thin.
Earlier this week a Reuters report suggested that Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani was 'negotiating exclusivity' with the Glazer family, just over a week after lodging a new and improved offer. The Qatari wants to secure full control of the club, whereas his main rival, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, wants a majority stake.
That Reuters report was quickly disputed by other reputable outlets but share prices in the club rocketed regardless, as did excitement levels in some corners of United's fanbase. However, the situation is still no closer to being finalised and United are remaining silent on the whole saga.
READ MORE: David de Gea increasingly likely to leave for free
Here are the latest takeover rumours on Friday evening:
Qatari confidence 'growing'
According to a report by Football Insider, Sheikh Jassim's confidence of completing a full takeover at Old Trafford is 'growing'. Sheikh Jassim lodged a fifth and final bid for the club last week, which was considered as a take-it-or-leave-it offer.
Though the Glazer family are not believed to have accepted any offers as of yet, it is reported that Sheikh Jassim and his camp are 'confident' that his offer will be accepted. The report claims that the Glazers are now 'leaning towards' accepting his offer.
Sheikh Jassim's bid, as was confirmed when he tabled his first offer back in February, vows to clear all outstanding debts and support the club's development. He also plans to invest heavily in the club's stadium and general infrastructure.
Sheikh Jassim 'wants Mbappe'
Sheikh Jassim would like to add Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappe to United's squad this summer if a takeover comes to fruition, according to a report by El Pais. The Frenchman has informed PSG that he will not be signing a new contract and the French club will likely sell him to avoid losing him on a free transfer when his contract expires next summer.
Mbappe, who has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid over the past year or so, is reportedly a 'dream target' for Sheikh Jassim and PSG, apparently, would be happy to sell him to United.
In reality, any report linking Mbappe with United needs to be taken with a pinch of salt. United already have Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho and Jadon Sancho as options on the left wing and have far more pressing priorities in the transfer market than signing a new player in that position, with a striker and a central midfielder at the top of Erik ten Hag's wish list.
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