'Next few hours' - Qatari media makes fresh Manchester United takeover claim

Reports in Qatar have claimed Manchester United's protracted takeover could reach its conclusion 'in the next few hours'.

The Glazers announced in November their plan to 'seek strategic alternatives' for the Premier League club, with Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim and British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe soon emerging as the frontrunners to take over at Old Trafford. Five rounds of bidding have followed, with Sheikh Jassim setting a self-imposed deadline last month due to his camp feeling the current owners had had ample time to seek or request clarification and revision of the bid.

The Qatari is aiming to take full control of the club, while Ratcliffe is believed to have been seeking a controlling stake that would see the Glazers remain ahead of a phased departure. United's share price has risen by 3.45 per cent over the past five days amid the ongoing takeover saga.

And now reports in Qatar claim Sheikh Jassim could be set to win the race to become the club's new owner. Qatari outlet Al Raya has claimed it is 'expected that the Manchester United purchase contract will be signed by the Glazer family that owns the club within the next few hours'.

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The report adds that Sheikh Jassim's camp 'have now begun to express their confidence in the victory, and they believe that it is only a matter of time before the official announcement is made'. PA previously reported being told by sources close to the Qatari is "simply keen to bring the matter to a swift conclusion with a crucial summer transfer window for United coming up".

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