Man Utd sale would enter final stage with Sir Jim reported at £4bn and Sheikh Jassim at £4.5bn

April 28 - Manchester United's ownership saga is set to take a significant step forward later today in what is expected to be the third and final bid deadline.

Reports surfaced on Wednesday that Ineos owner and longtime United fan Sir Jim Ratcliffe was considering a proposal that would allow the Glazer family to retain a minority stake in the club.

It was suggested this week that Ineos could restructure its bid, which was originally for the Glazer family's combined 69% stake, to allow co-chairmen Joel and Avram Glazer to retain their personal shareholdings.< /p >

The decision has already been attacked by United's '1958' fan group, who have demanded a full sale.

Finnish businessman Thomas Zilliacus, who recently pulled out of the tender, is said to have renewed interest as a foreigner, but Ratcliffe and Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim remain the only realistic bidders ready to meet the deadline.

Investment bank Raine Group has been tasked with overseeing the process, with the situation to be resolved before the transfer window opens at the end of the season.

Sheikh Jassim is apparently set to table a new £4.5bn offer, which will eclipse the £4bn offered by Ratcliffe and involve a full buyout and discharge of the current 535 debt, £7 million.

The Glazers are seeking £6bn for the club they bought for £790m in 2005. It is understood that the deadline is 10pm tonight, after which the Glazers will assess their position.< /p>

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