Prominent journalist Fabrizio Romano has shared a potentially key update on the Man Utd takeover rumours after the club released an official statement.
It was announced by United on Tuesday via their official website that the club is seeking 'strategic alternatives', including 'new investment into the club, a sale or other transactions involving the Company'.
The executive co-chairmen and directors of the club, Joel and Avram Glazer, said as part of the statement: "As we seek to continue building on the Club's history of success, the Board has authorised a thorough evaluation of strategic alternatives.
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"We will evaluate all options to ensure that we best serve our fans and that Manchester United maximises the significant growth opportunities available to the Club today and in the future."
A number of parties have linked with making a bid for the club, including Ineos owner and United fan, Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Meanwhile, the Daily Mirror claim that the Glazers have set an asking price of £8 billion to complete a sale of the club, which would break the record for the biggest sale of a sports team.
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Now, speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano has given an update on the potential timeframe of any sale of the club.
Romano gives Man Utd sale update
Romano explained: "Now we enter into a new era with Manchester United that could be sold soon.
"I say soon because sources close to the club guarantee that the process is already ongoing, that there are already some groups interested in buying Manchester United. There have been some approaches.
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"And so things are moving around Manchester United. It is not just a statement to announce something will happen, but it's also a statement that confirms that something is already in the air around Manchester United."
The Glazer family has owned United since 2005. Malcolm Glazer acquired a 57 per cent stake in the club in May 2005, before taking control of 75 per cent of the club's shares.
The following month, the Glazers acquired 98 per cent ownership of United, and they floated the club on the New York Stock Exchange in 2012.
According to the Wall Street Journal, share prices rose by 19 per cent on the NYSE, 20 minutes before the Sky Sports report confirming the news that the Glazers had approved 'strategic alternatives'. It ended the day 15% higher, and WSJ claim it continued to increase after-hours.
Topics: Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United, Premier League
Ryan Smart