Manchester United, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters after Elon Musk said his plan to buy the Premier League club was all part of "a long-running joke".
Musk, the world's richest person, said on Tuesday night on Twitter that he wanted to buy England's most successful club before clarifying that it was a joke and that he had no interest in purchasing any sports teams.
The club's owners, the American Glazer family, are under pressure with United sitting bottom of the Premier League after two games of the season.
Bloomberg reported they would consider selling a minority stake, opening the door for Ratcliffe. Read AlsoElon Musk says tweet about buying Manchester United was a jokeThe world's richest man has a habit of posting provocative statements on Twitter for fun and Musk was at it again when he told his more than 103 million followers: "Also, I'm buying Manchester United ur welcome." A source close to Ratcliffe said the billionaire was a potential buyer as he wants to help rebuild the team.