Man United takeover latest: Sheikh Jassim in 'pole position' as US bidder 'registers interest'

A Manchester United takeover continues to be the subject of significant speculation as the process now slows for due diligence to take place by interested parties.

Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani and Sir Jim Ratcliffe's INEOS Group are still the only two known individuals to make public their indicative bids. Rumours about a third party are now beginning to build as the process advances from the initial stage of registering any interest.

Meetings between interested parties and Raine Group are expected in the next month as part of this upcoming second stage of the process. Here are the latest United takeover headlines.

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The Qatar-backed Nine Two foundation, led by Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani is reportedly ahead of INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe in the takeover race, according to French outlet RMC Sport. An initial bid of €4.5 billion is said to have already been communicated. It is, though, believed that ‎‎Sheikh Jassim is ready to breach the €5 billion mark to seal a deal.

A timescale of a takeover being done in two to four months is also mentioned in their reporting. That would could then see it completed before the end of this season or during pre-season before the start of the next one if it goes to plan.

A third bidder has reportedly joined Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim in making their interest known, according to The Sun. This mystery United States-based bidder has reportedly privately registered their interest in being involved in the bidding process. They have as yet decided not to go public with their bid. Such is the secrecy about any third bid that exact details about their proposal are unclear. Whether these reveal themselves closer to the