Manchester United

The Glazer family announced in November that they would be exploring "strategic alternatives" for the 20-time English champions.

The Raine Group, who are handling the potential sale, set a deadline of 10pm on February 17 for interested parties to submit their bids.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who currently owns French Club OGC Nice and Swiss outfit Lausanne Sport, and Qatari Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani confirmed publically that they had tabled bids.

American hedge fund Elliot Investment Management were also believed to be among five potential offers that were put forward.

While the Glazers are reportedly considering outside investment or a full sale, there is a suggestion that members of the family have differing views on the best course of action.

According to The Athletic, Joel and Avram Glazer, the executive co-chairmen, are both reluctant to sell the club.

Avram has indicated that he remains emotionally involved in the club and he was present for Sunday's EFL Cup final.

The United owner watched on as the Red Devils claimed their first trophy of the Erik ten Hag era after beating Newcastle United 2-0 thanks to a Casemiro effort and Sven Botman own goal.

However, four other members of the family - Kevin, Bryan, Edward and Darcie - are keen to sever ties with the Red Devils.

The report claims that they no longer want the attention of owning the club and are looking to profit from their initial investment.

There is a belief that all of the bids that have been submitted fall short of the Glazers' £6n asking price for the club, which may also influence there decision.

Speaking to The Athletic, Football finance expert Kieran Maguire believes that it is "possible" that Glazers will stay.

Maguire said: "I still think it is a possible rather than a probable. It is possible because they (the Glazers) are convinced that Manchester United is worth an absolute fortune and if other people don't share that view, then why sell?"

Meanwhile, on the pitch, Man United will not have long to celebrate their EFL Cup final success as they turn their attention to Wednesday's FA Cup fifth-round tie against West Ham United.