Manchester United takeover news LIVE confusion reigns as Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim fail to submit second bids

A number of United players will represent their countries today, with Portugal hosting Serbia while England face Italy.

Expect to see the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Diogo Dalot, Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire in action later today!

Thursday 23 March: (19:45 GMT) (19:45 GMT)#MUFC pic.twitter.com/cFKFgCQcPZ

The deadline for the second round of bidding for a takeover of United has been extended, according to the Sun.

Both Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani have tabled improved offers prior to the original 9pm deadline, with the report suggesting their initial £4.5billion bid has increased to around the £5billion mark.

However the Raine Group have reportedly extended the window for second offers until close of business Friday in an attempt to lure in more offers.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani have both tabled second bids for a takeover of Manchester United, according to the Guardian.

The pair are expected to remain as frontrunners in the potential takeover, with Ratcliffe aiming to acquire 69% of the shares - the current holding of the Glazers - while Sheikh Jassim's offer is for 100% of the club.

The exact value of the improved bids is unknown, with both parties keeping their cards close to their chests, but they are expected to be over the reported highest bid of the first round - around £4.5billion.

However the report cites sources that suggest new offers could still fall short of the Glazers' desired asking price of between £5-6billion.

Good morning all and welcome to our LIVE United blog this Thursday.

Stay tuned throughout the day to keep up to date with all the latest news around M16, including any fresh developments from last night's takeover deadline.