Manchester United's takeover was rumoured to be concluding at the beginning of this week.
However, as July continues to move on, it has become clearer the situation remains in the balance. The Glazers announced in November the club was on the market.
Since then, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani emerged as the frontrunners to buy the club. The Qatari banker is reportedly in pole position but Britain's richest man declared he was still in the running at a recent book launch.
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Should Ratcliffe win the race for United he has been handed some good news by UEFA on Friday. MEN Sport takes a look in the latest takeover headlines.
Ratcliffe receives takeover boost
UEFA have allowed six clubs under joint ownership to compete in Europe next season, in what could be a boost to Sir Jim Ratcliffe's Manchester United bid.
Ratcliffe's INEOS company are one of two bidders looking to take control at United, but the Manchester-born businessman already owns Ligue 1 outfit Nice.
The multi-club ownership model is becoming increasingly popular and there has been little appetite from governing bodies to push back on it, with the decision of UEFA's Club Financial Control Body (CFCB) to allow the six teams affected entry into competitions for 2023/24 another indication that it is likely to become more common.
Ratcliffe's bid for United is under consideration, alongside a Qatari offer led by Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani. The Glazers are yet to decide which offer they prefer.
Ex-United striker calls for speedy takeover resolution
Former Manchester United striker Dwight Yorke has urged the Glazers to sell the club quickly to allow Erik ten Hag to complete his business in the summer transfer window.
United's American owners announced in November they were seeking strategic alternatives, with a complete sale of the club a possibility. Progress has been limited since then with Ten Hag admitting at the end of the campaign he was unsure of his budget due to the takeover.
On Wednesday it was officially announced the Reds had signed Mason Mount from Chelsea for £55m plus add-ons. Reports soon circulated suggesting Ten Hag would need to wait for the takeover to be completed before making further signings. The Dutchman is wanting to sign at least one centre forward and potentially even two goalkeepers before the season starts next month.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has told The Sun he is still in the hunt to buy United from the Glazers despite reports suggesting Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani is in the driving seat to complete the purchase. Speaking to MEN Sport, Yorke reiterated his stance on the current ownership and urged them to sell quickly to help the United boss.
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