Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani and Sir Jim Ratcliffe are reportedly both remaining patient in their attempts to purchase Manchester United from the Glazer family.
Almost 10 months have passed since the Glazers first signalled a willingness to enter into discussions over a sale of the 20-time English champions.
Initially, it had been thought that a takeover would go through by April, or by the opening of the summer transfer window in June, but the process has stalled in recent months, despite Sheikh Jassim and Ratcliffe emerging as the clear favourites to win the race.
There have been recent reports that the Glazers are now considering changing their stance entirely and taking the club off the market, although it is believed that neither Sheikh Jassim nor Ratcliffe have been informed of any fresh developments at this stage.
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Ratcliffe recently said that failing to purchase Man United was not an option for him, suggesting that he was still firmly in the race to complete a takeover.
However, Sheikh Jassim is still regarded to be the favourite, with the Qatari banker said to want to complete a 100% takeover.
There is confusion over the asking price of the current owners, though, with initial reports suggesting that it was around £5bn, which has since risen to £6bn and even potentially as high as £10bn.
According to The Guardian, both Sheikh Jassim and Ratcliffe are prepared to 'play the long game', as the pair remain determined to purchase one of the biggest clubs in world football.
The report claims that neither candidate has set a timeframe, and there remains a belief that the Glazer family will ultimately agree to sell at a relatively sensible price.
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Raine Group, who are handling the sale on behalf of the Glazers, are not thought to have made any recent contact with either of the two main candidates.
Man United ran into Financial Fair Play issues in the latter stages of the summer transfer window, but they were able to sign Sergio Reguilon and Sofyan Amrabat on loan before the deadline, while Altay Bayindir joined from Fenerbahce and Jonny Evans arrived on a free transfer.
On the field, the Red Devils have won two and lost two of their first four Premier League games of the season, which has left them in 11th spot in the table on six points.
Meanwhile, off the field, there remains an uncomfortable situation between head coach Erik ten Hag and Jadon Sancho, while Antony has taken a leave of absence to deal with recent abuse allegations levelled at him.
Matt Law
