Manchester United transfer news LIVE plus takeover latest as US firm 'joins' race and Leicester build-up

After INEOS confirmed Sir Jim Ratcliffe's takeover bid yesterday lunchtime, Manchester United fans learned of reported interest from a US firm soon after.

Elliott Investment Management has been linked with entering the race, albeit only to finance a bid and not a full-scale takeover.

The Manchester Evening News understands that all bids that have been tabled at this stage are indicative with the next phase allowing interested parties to view financial figures.

After this, bidders will be required to table their final offers. Meanwhile, United welcome Leicester as they try and close the gap to second-placed Manchester City to three points.

United have lost just one of their past 18 matches and have not lost in the Premier League at home since the opening day loss to Brighton. Casemiro serves the final of his three-game ban against the Foxes.

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The Ineos statement in full said:

"We can confirm that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS have submitted a bid for majority ownership of Manchester United Football Club.

"We would see our role as the long-term custodians of Manchester United on behalf of the fans and the wider community.

"We are ambitious and highly competitive and would want to invest in Manchester United to make them the number one club in the world once again. We also recognise that football governance in this country is at a crossroads.

"We would want to help lead this next chapter, deepening the culture of English football by making the club a beacon for a modern, progressive, fan-centred approach to ownership.

"We want a Manchester