Who are Raine Group? US firm's role in Manchester United takeover explained

Manchester United's takeover has seen several parties come and go from the proceedings.

A host of names have been touted as being interested in buying the club since the Glazer's put the club up for sale in November. Most recently, Finnish businessman Thomas Zilliacus stepped away, declaring the price for the club had 'reached levels where investment no longer made sense'.

Yet two names remain in the process. Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani and Sir Jim Ratcliffe. Sheikh Jassim's offer is valued at $5bn (£3.9bn) with a further $1bn (£790m) of investment promised for 100 per cent of the club. Ratcliffe's bid is thought to be at $5bn but for 60 per cent of the club.

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Both men are now liaising with Raine Group as they attempt to get a deal over the line. But who are Raine Group and what is their role in the process? MEN Sport has taken a look at what you need to know.

Raine Group is a New York investment banking firm which has been hired by the Glazers. Last year, they were employed by Roman Abramovich to see through Chelsea's sale to Todd Boehly. It is understood Colin Neville is working on the sale of United having been pictured with Sheikh Jassim's camp amid negotiations. He was also part of the Chelsea takeover process. While based in New York, they also have offices across the world including in London.

Raine Group's task is to broker a deal for the sale of United. They have been described as 'financial advisors' to United's owners. Any bids which have been submitted to the Glazers will be listened to and scrutinised by Raine Group before being put to the owners. Effectively they are the middle man between the bidders and the Reds' owners. In