JOEL and Avram Glazer could launch a shock bid to buy out their four siblings and keep control of Manchester United.
The two co-chairmen are regarded as reluctant to sell the club as bidders circle ahead of this Friday’s “soft” deadline.
PAAvram Glazer, left, and brother Joel are tipped to try to buy out their four siblings as they want to to stay in control at Old Trafford[/caption]
GettyBidders have until Friday to submit an openign offer for Man utd[/caption]
Qatar Investment Authority are expected to make an approach worth around £5billion.
But the Manchester Evening News say Joel and Avram are “exploring” ways of retaining a majority stake.
Siblings Bryan, Edward, Darcie and Kevin are United directors.
Avram was in Qatar last week, with talk of selling a minority share to investors there.
The Glazers revealed in November they would consider “all strategic options” – including investment or an outright sale.
Red Devils‘ fan Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who is thought to be worth £6.33bn, is keen to bid.
But he could face tough opposition from the Middle East and even the USA.
Potential investors are reportedly fighting to persuade David Beckham to back their bid.
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But it’s understood the Old Trafford legend has resisted all approaches so far.
The Telegraph claim a full bid for United will come from Qatar this week.
But Uefa rules banning two clubs with the same owners competing in the same tournaments are a major stumbling block.
That’s because Qatar Sports Investment already own PSG.
The Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, would hope to avoid that problem with an offer from investors separate to the French club’s owners.