Despite the radio silence surrounding the club's takeover, Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani could be making progress in his efforts to buy Manchester United from the Glazer family. A new update regarding the ongoings behind-the-scenes at Old Trafford provides hope that the end could be near.
Frank Leboeuf claims Manchester United is a sideways step for Chelsea's Mason Mount rather than a step up.
He told ESPN: "If you want to move club, it’s because you think it’s a promotion. Here me well, I am not saying that Manchester United is at the same level as Chelsea, compared to last season.
"In terms of a club and what they want to achieve. I think there is only one club better than Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool. It’s Manchester City.
"I really think, if the player wants to move if he is available, then he has to look for something better, where he can get something out of it.
"So, I don’t understand the move of Havertz to Arsenal or Mount to Manchester United. Like I wouldn’t understand Christian Eriksen from Manchester United to Chelsea. That is the same level, for me."
The Times are reporting it is unlikely either Sheikh Jassim or Sir Jim Ratcliffe will be installed as Manchester United's new owner before the new season starts.
The new Premier League campaign gets underway on Friday August 11, with Manchester United facing Wolves on the Monday night.
But it appears the Red Devils' takeover saga will take several more months to resolve as United fans desperately seek concrete updates.
The latest news has seen Sheikh Jassim and his Qatari bid made the favourite to buy control from the Glazers.
Erik ten Hag is reportedly eyeing Crystal Palace midfielder Eberechi Eze as an alternative to Mason Mount this summer.
Chelsea rejected Manchester United's opening £40m offer, and the Red Devils are unwilling to go higher than the £50m to £55m they will reach with their second bid.
And Steve Bates claims Eze is a candidate to replace Mount in Ten Hag's thinking if Chelsea turn United away again.
The Dutchman is said to have been monitoring Eze since Christmas.
Despite growing confidence that Sheikh Jassim will be the next Manchester United owner, it's worth noting that Sir Jim Ratcliffe is very much still in the frame.
According to The Times, Ratcliffe and INEOS remain favourites to buy the club from the Glazers.
Ratcliffe's offer is said to be worth almost £6n, with considerations that he wants a majority stake rather than a full sale.
His takeover would allow the Glazers to retain a minority stake, which is an unpopular outcome for many fans.
Sheikh Jassim entering exclusivity with the Glazers and the Raine Group could be imminent.
On Friday, Reuters claimed that the Qatari was negotiating exclusivity to make himself the horse in a one-horse race for power at Manchester United.
And now CBS Sports reporter Ben Jacobs claims that progress is being made, potentially making a major update inevitable.
He told Football Fan Cast: "Just because it's quiet and there may not be any public clarity doesn't mean things aren't moving behind the scenes.
"I was told that it was unlikely we would get any public clarity before the transfer window opened over the course of last weekend, and that's proven to be the case.
"Although Manchester United fans are frustrated, the process is moving."
Welcome to another day of Manchester United takeover speculation.
Will we receive some concrete news today? Let's hope so. It's coming...
Stay tuned throughout your Sunday!
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