Manchester United takeover battle to 'enter next stage' as bidders' representatives expected

The next stage of the process to complete a takeover of Manchester United has already got underway, according to a report by the Mail.

It is reported that those who are interested in purchasing the club from the Glazer family are due in Manchester as soon as Thursday. It is claimed that those who have made it through to the second stage of the bidding process, following the 'soft deadline' on Friday, February 17, are to meet officials at Old Trafford 'imminently.'

It is reported that representatives from the Qatar-based bid will arrive in the UK next week. Members of Sir Jim Ratcliffe's camp are also due to visit Manchester along with the Raine Group, who are the US bank overseeing the sale of United on behalf of the Glazer family.

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Following the 'soft deadline' that was set almost three weeks ago, Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani and British billionaire Ratcliffe are the only parties to have stepped forward and confirmed that they have each entered the race to secure control of the Reds. However, there could be other parties within the race that have not officially declared interest at this stage.

At this juncture it has been disclosed that a period of due diligence questions and answers is already underway, with talks between several groups, according to the report, having started last Monday. Those that are still interested in purchasing the Reds from the Glazers can request financial information before they head to Old Trafford for further discussions.

It is claimed that neither Al Thani or Ratcliffe will be present at the summits, nor will the Glazer family. In their expected absences, executive figures from the bidders, the Raine