The Qatari media outlet that claimed Sheikh Jassim had won the bidding process to take over Manchester United has backtracked on its original report.
The potential sale of United by the Glazers has been ongoing for several months, with the American family announcing in November that they were exploring 'strategic alternatives' for investment.
Multiple parties expressed interest throughout, but via a series of deadlines both Sheikh Jassim and Sir Jim Ratcliffe emerged as the two front-runners.
The news broke late on Monday evening that the Qatari banker's bid - which is for a 100% takeover from the Glazers - had been successful amid competition from INEOS founder Ratcliffe. ALSO READ: The truth behind reports Sheikh Jassim has won race to buy United Qatari-based media outlet Al Watan claimed an announcement was imminent, with their editorial director Fahed al Emadi adding: "The announcement of the deal will be very soon." Sheikh Jassim's camp have since described the reports as pure speculation, however, stating they remain in a 'holding pattern' and expect the next step to be a consideration of both bids by the board.