Prospective Manchester United owner Sheikh Jassim’s representatives held positive, constructive talks during a 10-hour visit to the club on Thursday, the PA news agency understands.
It was announced in November that the Old Trafford giants’ owners, the Glazer family, were conducting a strategic review and a sale was one option being considered.
Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani and INEOS founder Sir Jim Ratcliffe have bid to buy United, with both parties visiting the club this week.
It is understood Shahzad Shahbaz, president of Sheikh Jassim’s Nine Two Foundation, was in attendance along with the Qatari banker’s personal advisor Fady Bakhos.
Sam Powers and Yasir Shah from Bank of America were part of the delegation, along with lawyers from Macfarlanes and retail estate experts.
The PA news agency understands Sheikh Jassim’s team visited for 10 hours – far longer than expected – and remain committed to buying the club following Thursday’s substantive talks.
Friday sees another day of presentations and tours at United, with INEOS founder Ratcliffe due to fly in from Nice.
INEOS co-owners Andy Currie and John Reece are due to join him in Manchester, along with INEOS Sport chair Rob Nevin and chief executive Jean Claude Blanc.
United will be holding a press conference to preview their FA Cup quarter-final against Fulham at the Carrington training complex on Friday lunchtime whilst the INEOS visit is taking place.
Sheikh Jassim and Ratcliffe are the only interested parties to publicly announce their bids to American merchant bankers Raine, which was brought in to assist the club in assessing offers.
