A group of FIVE serious bidders have emerged to buy Manchester United ahead of next Friday's 'soft deadline', with Qatari bid set to face competition from Sir Jim Ratcliffe and American investors

A group of FIVE serious bidders has emerged to buy Manchester United ahead of next Friday's'soft deadline,' with Sir Jim Ratcliffe and American investors set to compete.

There are five serious bidders left in the race to buy Manchester United.

A group of Qatari investors has expressed an interest in purchasing United.

They now face competition from four other bidders before the'soft deadline' on Sunday.

As the battle to buy Manchester United moves forward, a group of five serious bidders has emerged.

Earlier this week, Sportsmail revealed that a group of Qatari private investors will attempt a full takeover of the club.

They are now expected to face competition from four rivals ahead of next Friday's'soft deadline' for offers, with some bids already made.

Aside from Qatar, the United States has expressed interest, and Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Britain's richest man and a lifelong United supporter, has expressed interest in bidding.



Only five bidders remain in the race to buy Manchester United from the Glazers.



Sir Jim Ratcliffe is one of the bidders willing to compete with Qatari investors for United.

The first stage of the process, which is about to end, sought expressions of interest.

Those who signed confidentiality agreements were then granted access to the 'data room,' which houses financial information for United.

It is understood that multiple Saudi Arabian parties, including Newcastle United's owners, have been granted such access. It is unclear whether they will now make a formal offer.

The Glazer family is said to want £6 billion for the club, though no price has been disclosed. They are also open to two distinct types of investment.

The first comes in the form of a one-time cash injection in exchange for a stake in the club.

The second is a more complex commercial partnership that would include expertise in areas such as media and retail.



The Glazers are said to want £6 billion for the club, though they have not disclosed a figure.

It is believed that more than 20 parties have expressed interest in these areas. Such levels of interest strengthen the Glazers' position, as they could take a stake rather than overseeing a full sale.

They - and bidders - would, however, be well aware of a negative backlash from United supporters if anything other than a takeover occurred.

According to those familiar with the process, a takeover remains the most likely outcome.

According to this newspaper, the Qataris, who are separate from the QSI group that owns Paris Saint-Germain, are confident that their bid will be the most competitive.

According to Bloomberg, Ratcliffe has secured debt financing from banks such as Goldman Sachs for a potential bid.



Ratcliffe is said to have already lined up banks to provide debt financing for a possible bid.