Manchester United takeover news LIVE Man Utd share price slumps as Sir Jim Ratcliffe bid 'revealed'

Mention the words 'Manchester United takeover process' and you'll likely get a groan out of a Reds fan.

The saga has dragged on for almost seven months and while there are two frontrunners, there is little clarity otherwise.

Reports suggest that both offers from Sheikh Jassim and Sir Jim Ratcliffe are north of £5.5billion, but speculation that the former is preparing for exclusivity talks has been shot down.

Ask who is winning the race to buy United and you will get different answers from different sources, adding the haze over Old Trafford. Some rumours claim that a decision is imminent but others suggest that the process could run into next season.

The Glazers have not delivered an official update since their November statement announcing the club was up for sale. Non-Disclosure Agreements signed by Sheikh Jassim and Sir Jim Ratcliffe mean they are limited in what they can say.

It is likely that nothing official will come out of any party until a decision is made. The ambiguity hasn't stopped the stock market from reacting, though, creating excitement that the end might be nearing.

Track the latest updates, rumours and comment about the Manchester United takeover in our live blog below.

The Times reports that Sir Jim Ratcliffe is in fact winning the takeover race, despite speculation suggesting Sheikh Jassim is the frontrunner.

It says the INEOS billionaire has submitted a bid worth close to £6billion, the valuation the Glazers are supposedly after.

It adds that the Glazers are 'close' to announcing a new bidder, although any official change of ownership could run into next season.

Following a frenzied rise amid heavy speculation this week, United's stock market price slightly dropped off on Friday, ahead of the