Manchester United and a Qatari group are already in talks as investors from the oil-rich state launch their bid.
A private wealth fund want to buy the Premier League giants, says the Daily Mail. The deadline for bids, set by US merchant bankers Raine, is a week on Friday. However, that date is being viewed as a soft cut-off, with the door left ajar for rival bidders.
The Glazer family will probably struggle to attract their desired £6billion bid for United, according to those within the process. They believe between £4.1bn and £4.5bn is more realistic.
Aside from buying United, the successful bidder could face a bill of more than £2bn to redevelop or rebuild Old Trafford, which desperately needs modernising.
Should the Americans not receive an acceptable offer to sell the club outright, they are open to investment in exchange for a minority stake.
The group, who are confident theirs will be the strongest bid, are making plans for what happens should they be successful
The aim is to make a substantial investment which would allow Erik ten Hag, who has led a resurgence at Old Trafford since his appointment last year, to strengthen his squad further.
Attention would be paid not only to redeveloping Old Trafford, but also the vast swathes of land surrounding the stadium that are owned by the club.
