Manchester United are 'now seriously considering' one sale outcome as takeover twist emerges

A respected journalist has dropped a key update on the status of a Manchester United sale amid reports of a new party preparing to enter the process.

US-based private equity firm Carlyle are prepared to make a 'significant investment' into the club.

Sky News claimed on Saturday morning that the firm has pitched a proposal to acquire a minority stake in the club, which is currently owned by the Glazer family.

However, Carlyle declined to comment on the reports, and the amount of capital they would be prepared to put forward is also unclear.

There are three publicly confirmed bids for United at this stage in the process. Qatari businessman Sheikh Jassim, through his Nine Two Foundation, is aiming for a full takeover of the club, while the Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos offer wants to acquire the Glazers' majority stake.

Meanwhile, The Times reported last month that Elliott Management - the former owners of AC Milan - have pitched an offer to acquire a minority stake in the club.

Now, there has been a new development.

Man Utd takeover update given

According to The Independent's Miguel Delaney, United are 'now seriously considering' a minority investment in the club.

In addition, Carlyle and Elliott Management are seen as the favourites to acquire a minority stake from the Glazer family, should the American owners decide that this is the best course of action.

Meanwhile, the same source reports it has been told that other investment firms - Sixth Street and Ares - have 'shown an interest' in United.

The potential of the sale of a minority share was brought up by The Times last month, in the context of United's stadium, Old Trafford.

The report claimed that the offer from Elliott would be seen as 'attractive' to the Glazers, due to the prices quoted for redeveloping the stadium.

It is said that the cost of building a new stadium on the site of Old Trafford - as Tottenham did - would cost in the region of £1-2 billion.

Meanwhile, United could expand the existing stadium to 88,000 seats, by increasing the capacity of the Sir Bobby Charlton Stand, for a cost quoted as around £200 million.

The report also suggests that a redeveloped stadium and success under manager Erik ten Hag could drive up the value of the club as an asset - which may be factored in by the Glazers during the sale process.