Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani has been tipped to bid for another Premier League club amid concerns over the Manchester United takeover, according to a fresh report.
It’s been nine months since United owners the Glazers announced they were exploring strategic alternatives for the club that could result in an outright sale, and fans are still none the wiser as to who will be in charge of the Premier League giants long-term.
Indeed, Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim and petrochemicals billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe have both submitted multiple bids for the club since publicly announcing their interest back in January, but at present neither approach has been accepted.
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Indeed, on Friday the Manchester Evening News (MEN) claimed that Sheikh Jassim is still awaiting a response from the Glazer family to his submission to buy United and that both bidders have a “real concern” the Glazers may not sell.
As per the publication, Sheikh Jassim's “premium” offer remains on the table and a source close to his camp claimed: “The next steps are up to the sellers and all we can do is wait”.
Indeed, MEN added that there has been a surprise regarding the absence of any clarification or communication since the process began, while figures from the New York Stock Exchange have not been stirred by share price fluctuations based on rumours.
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A financial source told the outlet that figures connected to the Raine Group, an investment banking firm hired by the Glazers to help with the process, believe they have been asked to sell something “that isn't really for sale”.
And ESPN journalist Mark Ogden claimed that Sheikh Jassim and his entourage have earmarked Spurs as a potential alternative to United.
The reporter told the United Stand: “They want the Premier League footprint.
“Somebody told me recently; they said that if the Qataris don’t buy Man United, they’ll be back, and they might end up buying Tottenham.
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“He said, look, if you’ve got Manchester City owned by Abu Dhabi, you’ve got Newcastle owned by Saudi Arabia, if Qataris maybe buy Tottenham, then you’ve got three clubs who can pull away.”
Topics: Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Premier League, Sheikh Jassim