The Manchester United takeover saga is still rumbling on, with Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani submitting his final bid on Wednesday afternoon and setting a deadline of Friday.
The Qatari businessman remains one of two contenders in the battle to buy the Old Trafford club, rivalling British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe, in a saga that has now lasted a number of months.
However, in a major power move to seize control of the Premier League giants, Sheikh Jassim submitted the offer directly to the club’s owners, the Glazer family, and Raine Group, the American bankers managing the long-running saga.
Mail Sport understands the Sheikh has also told those involved that he will engage up until Friday. After then, the bid will stand, but there will be no further negotiations.
But who exactly is the Qatari banker? What's his net worth? And has he now overtaken Ratcliffe in the race to buy Manchester United?
Who exactly is Sheikh Jassim?
Sheikh Jassim is the chairman of Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB) and is also a member of the Qatari royal family. He spent much of his youth in the United Kingdom, going to school in Dorset before studying at the Royal Military Academy in Sandhurst.
Jassim would graduate as an officer cadet, and would go on to be a board member at one of the world's biggest investment banks, Credit Suisse, before becoming a banker himself.
That's where the details around Jassim become hazy. In fact, for someone who could soon possess one of the most famous faces in football, the lack of public knowledge on Sheikh Jassim is startling.
Much more is known about his father, Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber al-Thani, nicknamed both 'HBJ' and 'the man who bought London', however.
HBJ, who was prime minister of Qatar between 2007 and 2013, has given £2.6m in cash to King Charles across several face-to-face meetings, delivered in a variety of suitcases, a holdall and in Fortnum & Mason carrier bags.
This money went to charity, with the handovers very much legal.
HBJ has also been involved in the running of Paris Saint-Germain, having been the former chair of the Qatari Investment Authority (QIA). The QIA owns the Qatar Sports Authority (QSA), who own PSG.
While UEFA do not allow an individual or entity to own more than one club in the same competition, Sheikh Jassim ensures he is independent from the QIA - and thus PSG - in theory solving that problem.
On a personal level, Sheikh Jassim is believed to be a life-long fan of Manchester United. He reportedly wears the club's shirt during weekly five-a-side matches and has attended numerous games as a supporter.
There is only one photo showing Jassim in a United shirt, however, and a spokesman for his bid was 'not able to confirm its authenticity'. His Nine Two Foundation, established to complete the takeover of United, is in fact a reference to the side's famous Class of 92 squad, though.
Importantly, Jassim, who promises to restore 'former glories on and off the pitch', has 'significant' extra cash to spend on players and modernising Old Trafford on top of the funds he intends to use to buy the club.
What is Sheikh Jassim's net worth?
Now, this isn't the easiest question to answer. As stated, we don't have an extensive catalogue of information on Sheikh Jassim to play with.
His father, Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber al-Thani, has a net worth of $1.2bn (£892m), according to Forbes.
Meanwhile, his family are believed to have a collective worth of circa £275bn.
And the head of the royal family - Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani - is believed to be worth around £1.6bn alone.
What is the latest on Manchester United's sale?
Sheikj Jassim's latest bid is his fifth since Mail Sport revealed details of the first in February. It remains for total control of the club and is thought to include a significant further sum for investment on infrastructure and recruitment.
Sheikh Jassim’s competitor, British petrochemicals billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe, had been thought to be edging ahead in the process. It now remains to be seen if the latest, high-stakes move is enough to persuade the Glazers to part with the club.
The Glazers are understood to value United at £6bn - and the offer, while improved, does not meet that figure, which many view as outlandish.
Meanwhile, Ratcliffe’s offer is for a majority of the club and has the potential for the Glazers to remain involved for a certain time period.
There has been a growing frustration at how long the sale is taking, especially given the imminent opening of the transfer window. The process originally started in November of last year.
It is understood that the need to strengthen Erik ten Hag’s squad has played a major role in the Sheikh’s latest and final move. He is keen to complete the takeover and arm the Dutch manager with significant funds ahead of the new season.
What has Sheikh Jassim said about buying Man Utd?
Sheikh Jassim mapped out his plans for Manchester United in February, when he outlined his intentions to buy the club.
Crucially, Sheikh Jassim insists he will ensure the club is completely debt-free, while vowing to invest in all areas of the club.
A statement released read: 'Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani today confirmed his submission of a bid for 100 per cent of Manchester United Football Club.
'The bid plans to return the club to its former glories both on and off the pitch and - above all - will seek to place the fans at the heart of Manchester United Football Club once more.
'The bid will be completely debt free via Sheikh Jassim's Nine Two Foundation, which will look to invest in the football teams, the training centre, the stadium and wider infrastructure, the fan experience, and communities the club supports.
'The vision of the bid is for Manchester United Football Club to be renowned for footballing excellence, and regarded as the greatest football club in the world.
'More details of the bid will be released, when appropriate, if and when the bid process develops.'
Uwaomasinachi
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in my shortest word JASSIM IN, Glazer OUT!!!