Manchester United

Almost a year has passed since the Glazer family first signalled that they were prepared to enter into discussions over a possible sale of the 20-time English champions.

The takeover process has stalled in recent months, but it is believed that Sheikh Jassim and his main rival in terms of a bidder, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, still have offers of £5bn on the table.

Recent reports have claimed that the Glazers are considering their position, but both Sheikh Jassim and Ratcliffe are believed to be prepared to play the long game due to their desire to purchase the Red Devils.

According to journalist Ben Jacobs, another offer from Sheikh Jassim, which is likely to be "closer" to the alleged £6bn asking price set by the Glazers, cannot be ruled out.

"I still don't think that we can rule out another bid from, in particular, Sheikh Jassim, simply because we got told after the final bid deadline in April, even though that was only a soft deadline, that that would be the last offer," Jacobs told GIVEMESPORT.

"Then we got told after the fourth bid that that would be the last offer then we got told after the fifth bid that that would be the last offer.

"So you can never rule out another offer in this type of takeover because it's public, it's fluid, in many ways, the situation. And ultimately, if Sheikh Jassim in particular wants Manchester United, he may eventually have to pay what it takes, or certainly get closer to that £6bn number."

Man United fans have again been protesting against the Glazers this season, with a sit-in protest being held at Old Trafford following the Premier League clash with Nottingham Forest last month.

Despite recent reports, it is alleged that neither Sheikh Jassim nor Ratcliffe have been put off by Man United's indifferent start to the 2023-24 campaign.

The Red Devils have won three and lost three of their opening six matches of the new Premier League season, in addition to losing their Champions League opener to Bayern Munich.

Sheikh Jassim wants to complete a full takeover of Man United, with the Qatari banker also prepared to commit significant funds to improve Old Trafford and the club's training ground.

Ratcliffe, though, is only looking for a controlling stake for the moment, with a full takeover of the English giants occurring after three years under the proposed plan.

Man United will be bidding to build on their 1-0 win over Burnley in the Premier League when they welcome Crystal Palace to Old Trafford in the EFL Cup on Tuesday night.