Man Utd takeover: Fifth bid from Sheikh Jassim in doubt as Glazers information emerges

Sheikh Jassim has not had feedback on his fourth bid for Man Utd, according to reports, amid suggestions that he could make a fifth offer.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the chief executive of the INEOS chemicals company, has bid to take a controlling stake in the Red Devils.

He faces competition from Qatari businessman Sheikh Jassim, who made an improved fourth bid to buy 100 per cent of the club over a fortnight ago.

That move was interpreted as an attempt to seize the initiative from Ratcliffe, whose bid is reported to be structured to allow two members of the Glazer family which currently owns the club to keep a combined 20 per cent stake.

The takeover process began in November when Man Utd announced that the board was exploring “strategic alternatives” to enhance the club’s growth, with a full sale one option being considered.

A report on Monday claimed that in order in the race to take control of the Premier League club.

But there will be no fifth bid yet with Guardian journalist Jamie Jackson revealing that Sheikh Jassim still hasn’t heard back from the Glazers about his fourth bid, which he made directly to the American family.

Jackson wrote on Twitter: “As I understand it, Sheikh Jassim is still waiting to hear back from Glazers regarding his last bid for Man Utd…”

Former Liverpool striker Stan Collymore reckons the Glazers are using Ratcliffe to get Sheikh Jassim to eventually pay more for the club.

“Although it’s turned into a bit of a circus, it’s quite straightforward, the Glazers know Sheikh Jassim can pay pretty much whatever he wants and Sir Jim Ratcliffe can’t,” Collymore told Caught Offside.

“They’re using Sir Jim as a way to force Jassim into upping his offer in order to get as much as they can before they sail off into the sunset, and hopefully are never heard of again.

“If Man United is sold, I am sure it’ll be to Qatari owners. The biggest problem could be the time in which it happens though.