Manchester United takeover news: Al Thani ready to 'increase' bid and what happens next

Manchester United supporters now know that at least two offers to take over the football club were received by the Raine Group before last week's self-imposed 'soft' deadline.

Publicly announced bids were submitted by British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani to the merchant bank that is organising the potential sale on behalf of the Glazers. American hedge fund Elliott is also reportedly willing to finance a potential move but will not be bidding themselves.

Both known bidders released statements in the hours after the deadline that laid out their plans should they be handed the keys to the club. But, for now, the process moves onto its next stage and the Manchester Evening Newshave rounded up all of the very latest updates after a busy few days of coverage.

FOLLOW LIVE: Latest United news as Al Thani to 'increase' takeover bid

Al Thani 'prepared to increase' his bid

Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani is 'prepared to increase' his bid to complete a takeover of United. This is according to a report from the Metro, which itself cites The Athletic.

It is claimed that Al Thani is ready to 'increase' his offer to fight off competition from Ratcliffe. They add that the sheikh 'feels he’s submitted an attractive offer' but is nonetheless "prepared to raise his bid even further" to complete a takeover.

What happens next?

The bids made public last week were only indicative, and that was only the first stage of the takeover process. Those who have registered interest will now enter a 'data room'.

There, they will be able to see the relevant financial information concerning the club. United - or, indeed, Raine Group - are unlikely to make any public statements as