MANCHESTER UNITED are convinced they will get a deal done by November to sell the club to the Qataris.
There have been accusations that the unpopular owning family, the Glazers, have been dragging their heels in negotiations.
Sheikh Jassim could complete a buyout three months into the new season
AFPSome feel current United owners the Glazers have taken things to slow[/caption]
But those discussions are understood to have taken a big leap forward in recent weeks, with a £6billion sale now close.
Qatari Sheikh Jassim’s team have been doing due diligence ahead of a final formal offer.
They are ahead of Brit Sir Jim Ratcliffe in the race. Fans feared that Ratcliffe’s Ineos group would still allow the Glazers a minority holding.
It was last November when the Glazers first announced the club was up for sale.
The Americans have been in charge since 2005 but their takeover saddled the club with a debt that has cost over £1bn.
Boss Erik ten Hag has been involved in talks with the Glazers about what the future holds.
His three big summer signings — £72m Rasmus Hojlund, £60m Mason Mount and £47m keeper Andre Onana — will be introduced to the Old Trafford crowd ahead of Saturday’s’s friendly with Lens.
Ten Hag could still add at least one more major buy before United open their Premier League campaign at home to Wolves on Monday August 14.
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Morocco anchorman Sofyan Amrabat is a prime candidate.
It’s thought the Red Devils have been in advanced talks with Fiorentina over the 26-year-old.
The £30m-rated World Cup star, 26, has one year left on his contract.
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