Sky Sports drop massive Man Utd takeover update with bidder now 'willing to overpay' for the club

Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani is now willing to “overpay” for Manchester United, after his representatives visited the club on Thursday, according to a fresh report.

United owners the Glazers announced they were exploring “strategic alternatives” for the Old Trafford club back in November, that could result in an outright sale.

Three months later Sheikh Jassim and British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe submitted preliminary bids for United, both of which fell short of the Glazers' asking price.

It was previously understood that both bidders were determined not to pay over the odds for the club. Indeed, the Glazers allegedly want £6billion, a price-tag which would make United the most expensive sports team in history.

However, it appears the Qatari stance has softened in recent days coinciding with a delegation's visit to Old Trafford.

Sheikh Jassim ‘willing to overpay’ for Man Utd

According to Sky Sports journalist Kaveh Solhekol, Sheikh Jassim is now willing to pay over the odds for the Premier League giants.

Sky Sports News senior reporter Solhekol said: "If the Glazers are serious about selling Manchester United, I think the club could change hands by the end of the season before the transfer window opens in the summer.

"We can't be sure what their criteria are for who they want to sell the club to. Will it be the right person or just who puts the most money on the table?

"But in the last couple of days, the mood music has changed a little bit. And I'm being told the Qataris really want to buy Manchester United and they are willing to overpay. But I think anybody who buys the club will have to do that - because the Glazers are asking for about £6bn."

On Friday, British billionaire Ratcliffe conducted his own meetings with the club's hierarchy, with a second round of bidding set to commence next week.

The 70-year-old flew in from Nice on Thursday and visited United's management team at Old Trafford on Friday, alongside representatives from Ineos.

Indeed, Ratcliffe was photographed outside Old Trafford after meeting club executives, unlike Sheikh Jassim, who had not personally visited United the previous day.

Solhekol explained: "It's an interesting contrast with Sheikh Jassim. Sir Jim was happy to be filmed and photographed, and it was significant that Richard Arnold was there to greet him when he arrived, shaking his hand and being photographed then too.

"It gives you another sense that maybe the Glazers are serious about selling Man Utd. This was a high-powered delegation from INEOS, he was there with the two co-owners, Andy Currie and John Reece. Sir Dave Brailsford, who used to be the director of cycling at Team Sky - he's now INEOS' director of sport and he was there too."