"Very soon..." - Ornstein drops huge update over "seismic" Manchester United takeover

Manchester United could be sold to new owners early next year, David Ornstein has revealed.

Last month, United's current owners - the Glazer family - announced their intention to "explore strategic alternatives" for the Red Devils "including new investment into the club, a sale, or other transactions".

The Glazers are believed to be seeking between £6bn and £7bn for a complete sale of United, according to The Athletic.

Several parties have expressed an interest in buying the club, including Britain's richest man and lifelong United fan Sir Jim Ratcliffe, as well as Zara owner Amancio Ortega.

Reports have also claimed that United co-owner Avram Glazer recently held talks with potential investors from Saudi Arabia and Qatar in Doha.

Meanwhile, American giants Apple and Amazon have also been linked with potential takeover bids.

Ornstein: Watch this space

It has been reported that United's owners are reluctant to invest heavily in the January transfer window as they seek to sell the club, with the club expected to only pursue loan deals next month.

The Athletic journalist Ornstein believes a "seismic" full sale of the club could take place early next year, which would see the Glazers' controversial 17-year ownership finally come to an end.

"The Raine Bank who are in charge of this process they are aiming for a complete sale of Manchester United in the first quarter of 2023," Ornstein told NBC Sports.

"Therefore the Glazer family are not going to sanction a massive outlay of cash on deals at this time of the year.

"You will need to watch this space on a takeover because it could be coming very soon and it will be a seismic moment in the history of Manchester United because so many supporters have wanted a change in the hierarchy.

"They have had so many changes off the pitch but now it could go to the very top and if Raine Bank who are leading this process get their way, it is going to be a fascinating few months ahead to see who takes charge and leads them into the future."