Manchester United bidding process to enter THIRD round this month

A third – and final - round of bidding for Manchester United is set to take place, with best offers to land before the end of the month.

In a significant shift forwards in what has been a long-running saga, those still in the battle – who include Qatar-based Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani and British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe - have been told that there are now two deadlines.

The first, which is in the middle of next week, is related to due diligence. The second – April 28 – is for final bids to drop.

It can also be disclosed that there is a growing belief among those close to the process that United's owners, the Glazers, are seeking a full sale of the club rather than partial investment. 

They invited bids for control and for a stake in exchange for a cash injection but the noises so far are that a complete takeover is looking likely. That said, partial investors remain in the process.

British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe (left) and Qatari Sheikh Jassim (right) have been told there will be a third round of bidding for Manchester United

 Fresh offers are due before the end of the month as the takeover saga takes another twist

A third round of bids may suggest the Glazers have not yet received a price they want to sell

Raine Group, the New York based bank overseeing the sale, declined to comment, as did spokespeople for Sheikh Jassim and Ratcliffe. 

Reports in the US earlier on Tuesday claimed that there are seven prospective ownership groups which have received feedback from Raine, although there is scepticism in some quarters over whether that is the case.

The decision to move to a final round, rather than enter into a period of exclusivity with one group, may suggest that the Glazers have not yet attracted a price at which they are happy to sell.

It also means that things will have to progress rapidly for a new owner be in place for the forthcoming transfer window.

Second offers were made on March 23 by Ratcliffe's group and a day later by Sheikh Jassim. Both were given extended deadlines to place their bids.

Aside from two known bids for full control, there are offers from a number of groups to take a partial stake in the Premier League giants.

Such a move would allow the Glazers to stay in charge and provide the funds necessary to upgrade Old Trafford or build a new stadium and refurbish the club's training ground. 

However, it would not be popular with wide sections of United's fanbase.