There is light at the end of the tunnel, but the tunnel is long. The Manchester United takeover saga still offers plenty of twists and turns, despite the third deadline for bids passing almost three weeks ago. Express Sport runs through the latest news coming out of Old Trafford.
Sheikh Jassim stance on U-turn
On Wednesday night, the Mail reported that Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani had lodged a fourth bid to thwart Sir Jim Ratcliffe in the 11th hour.
The offer, described as 'take-it-or-leave it', is said to have been a significant increase on the Qatari billionaire's previous.
But The Athletic claim that Sheikh Jassim hasn't ruled out making a revised fifth bid if the Glazers offer encouragement.
Such a decision would likely see him make a notable U-turn after reports in March stated he wouldn't pay over the odds to take control at Old Trafford.
But with Ratcliffe understood to be in pole position in the business end of the process, Sheikh Jassim may be about to put his money where his mouth is.
Glazer siblings at war
It has been widely known for years that Joel and Avram Glazer are the two family members most connected with United.
So it is no surprise that the duo are more reluctant to walk away than their fellow co-owners.
Darcie Glazer Kassewitz, along with Bryan, Edward and Kevin Glazer, are reportedly keen to cash in on their shares in United.
But Joel and Avram's desire to retain their chunk of the 69 per cent stake has made the American family somewhat at odds.
If Ratcliffe's takeover is successful, he has pitched buying out four of the Glazers' shares and allowing Joel and Avram to keep around 20 per cent.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe twist
Reports earlier this month indicated that the Glazers and the Raine Group had opted for Ratcliffe and INEOS as their preferred party. Sheikh Jassim's late fourth offer all but confirms as much.
But there could be another twist in the tale on the horizon amid a relentless PR battle between the two leading parties.
The Athletic claim there is a belief that the Glazers are making it seem like Ratcliffe is edging the bidding to squeeze a higher offer out of Qatar.
And in response, Sheikh Jassim hasn't given up and will form his next move around the feedback he receives.
The prospect of a new owner arriving at United before the summer transfer window looks bleak.
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