"There is real opportunity..." - Journalist drops Man Utd takeover update that may worry Liverpool fans

Football journalist Ben Jacobs has made a fresh claim on the potential interest of Qatari investors in taking over Manchester United or Liverpool.

Both clubs are in the process of exploring extra investment, with current United owners, the Glazer family, seeking 'strategic alternatives' for the club.

It was stated when the announcement was made in November that a full or partial sale of the Red Devils would be considered. However, recent reports from ESPN claim that both Joel and Avram Glazer are open to staying on at the club, even if another party becomes involved.

That came just days after reports that Qatari investors were planning a bid to buy the club, and the Daily Mail claim they are one of five 'serious' bidders.

Their rivals are said to include two groups from Saudi Arabia, US-based investors and boyhood United fan Sir Jim Ratcliffe. The Glazers have set a 'soft deadline' of next Friday for any offers.

The picture for Liverpool's future ownership, however, remains less clear. Finance expert Dave Powell claimed to the Blood Red: Liverpool FC YouTube channel this week that he has been told of no interested party that has 'shown their hand' in taking over the club from current owners FSG, or adding extra investment.

He explained: "What I've been told repeatedly by people who would know, nobody has shown their hand. Nobody has come to the table. Nobody has said, 'Here's X amount of money for the football club'. There's been no high-level discussion held as yet."

Now, Jacobs has given out new information that could concern Reds fans further.

Man Utd and Liverpool takeover: Latest update revealed

Speaking about Qatari interest in United and Liverpool, Jacobs claimed on a Twitter Space (quotes via Liverpool World): "Some groups within Qatar have considered minority investment and others are now building towards an outright purchase.

"This is such an incredible time to those who want to invest in the Premier League because Manchester United and Liverpool are on the market in different manners. Manchester United's owners, the Glazers, are open to both, while FSG have a slightly less fluid process at Liverpool and would consider minority investment.

"As far as Qatar and Liverpool are concerned, there is not much concrete interest, contrary to reports. No full offer or minority investment offer has been made, and with Manchester United, there is real opportunity.

"QIA [Qatar Investment Authority] did originally consider a minority stake, and that's been on the table in the last few days and weeks for a stake of 10 per cent. But there is a group of private investors who prefer a full sale offer."

The general claim that United is allegedly seen as a more attractive option than the Reds by one set of investors will surely concern some fans of Jurgen Klopp's side, especially when coupled with Powell's previous revelations, and the potential for more competition from United in the transfer market if Qatar investors do become involved at Old Trafford.