Thomas Zilliacus makes Manchester United takeover plea after Glazer update

Prospective Manchester United owner Thomas Zilliacus believes the Old Trafford takeover process needs a swift resolution for the sake of the club.

The Finnish entrepreneur has launched a bid to buy United by pooling resources with other investors. He is also open to supporter involvement, proposing a model where fans all chip in a small fee for a 50/50 stake alongside him.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe's INEOS and Sheikh Jassim's Nine Two Foundation have both tabled two bids to buy United and appear the frontrunners but reports have now emerged saying a third round of bids will be taking place, sparking an angry response from former United man Gary Neville.

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And Zilliacus is also unhappy at the prospect, claiming the continued delay is hampering the club. Writing on social media, he said: "Media claims that Glazers are preparing to invite a third round of bids. For the sake of United let's hope it is not true. There are 3 serious bidders. Negotiate with them face-to-face until a deal is reached. This has been going on too long already."

Offers to buy United are being overseen by American bank Raine Group, on behalf of the Glazer family. Their asking price is understood to stand at around £6billion, with bids to date believed to be around the £5bn mark. The prospect of another series of bids means a swift resolution is unlikely as we approach the end of the season and start of the summer transfer window.

The Glazers could yet remain in control should an interested group acquire a partial stake in United. That would then provide the finance needed to redevelop Old Trafford and the club's Carrington training ground.

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