INEOS have tabled a higher offer to buy Manchester United than Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani, reports the Daily Mail’s Mike Keegan.
Both bidders tabled their last round of offers last night, with the winning bid expected to be named soon.
Sheikh Jassim placed an offer to buy Man United worth more than £5 billion, but Sir Jim Ratcliffe values the club higher.
The British billionaire wants to buy either 69% of the Red Devils or slightly more than 50% if Joel Glazer and Avram Glazer wish to stay on.
Sheikh Jassim pledged substantial additional funding with his bid.
However, it appears the Man United owners would prefer Ratcliffe’s offer.
The Glazers would keep a minority stake in the Old Trafford club if his offer is accepted.
Joel and Avram want to retain a level of ownership, and Sheikh Jassim’s bid would not make it possible.
The Qatar Islamic Bank chairman has offered more money because he wants to buy 100% of the club.
However, the move from Ratcliffe may hamper his chances.
INEOS’ valuation has been higher than Sheikh Jassim’s throughout the bidding process.
There are also other offers for investment in exchange for a partial stake from some US-based groups.
The groups are willing to part with between £1-2bn, which would allow the Glazers to redevelop Old Trafford or build a new stadium.
It would also help them to upgrade the club’s training ground and make quality squad additions.
