Liverpool rivals Manchester United could be in new hands in the near future.
An exclusive report from The Times has claimed that British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe has expressed an interest in purchasing the Red Devils. The Glazer family have been in charge of the Old Trafford club since 2005. But, with their popularity with United supporters at all-time low, there have been reports starting they are willing to sell at least a stake in the 20-times champions of England.
And a spokesman for the Ineos owner confirmed that Ratcliffe would be open to beginning talks with the Glazers. The spokesman said: "If the club is for sale, Jim is definitely a potential buyer. If something like this was possible, we would be interested in talking with a view to long-term ownership.
READ MORE: Four things spotted in Liverpool training as injury rumour quashed and Roberto Firmino returns
READ MORE: Manchester United training hints at two missing key players and new midfield for Liverpool
"This is not about the money that has been spent or not spent. Jim is looking at what can be done now and, knowing how important the club is to the city, it feels like the time is right for a reset."
Ratcliffe was said to be interested in a takeover of Chelsea earlier on in the summer. However, it would be the consortium led by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital that would be successful in purchasing the London club from Roman Abramovich.
Now the story of Ratcliffe entering the race for another Premier League club has emerged. But how does his wealth compare to that of Liverpool’s owners, Fenway Sports Group? And more importantly, should Reds fans be worried about the prospect of United having a new owner?
According to Sky Sports, Ratcliffe's wealth stands at around £10.8bn, which would make him the fourth richest in the English top flight, were he to become an owner. This puts him behind the owners of Newcastle United (£320bn), Manchester City (£220bn) and Chelsea (£10.9bn).
FSG chief John W. Henry’s wealth is reported to be £2.75bn, according to the 2022 Forbes rich list . This makes him the 822nd richest person in the world, thanks to an increase of £600m from his £2.14bn valuation in 2021.
Henry is also adrift of other owners in the Premier League. The Kroenke family at Arsenal have a £6.3bn valuation, and further down the list is Tottenham Hotspur's Joe Lewis and ENIC at £4.285bn.
READ NEXT:
- Liverpool announce new deal seven years after most surreal press conference in Anfield history
- 'No one does that' - Rio Ferdinand caught lying about Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk
- Matheus Nunes reveals reason why he picked Wolves after Liverpool transfer links
- Tottenham Hotspur defender makes Virgil van Dijk claim as Liverpool star singled out
- Jurgen Klopp has already explained how Liverpool would respond if Naby Keita rumours came true
