Man Utd takeover update as club legends ‘approached about fronting deal’

TURKI ALALSHIKH has offered an update on the proposed Manchester United takeover - confirming he is not the mystery bidder.

The Saudi boxing promoter caused a stir with his claim on X that the club is close to being bought.

Rumours swirled with suggestions he was spearheading the takeover, having previously been linked to Bristol City and Millwall.

Alalshikh, 44, clarified Wednesday's initial statement, stating he is not the interested party.

He wrote on X: "My yesterday’s post about Manchester United's potential sale meant one thing: the club is in an advanced negotiation phase with a new investor.

"Just to clarify, I am not the investor, nor are they from my nation. I'm posting this as a fan who wishes the deal to happen, though it might not necessarily happen."

According to the Daily Mail a consortium from the UAE is considering making an offer to buy the club, which is valued in excess of £5billion.

The group has reportedly already spoken to former Red Devils players about supporting the bid as ambassadors.

But it is understood there has been no contact with United's owners, who denied the claim that they are in an advanced stage of being taken over.

Sources at the club said the reports had come as a surprise - and they are unsure what they are based on.

Alalshikh's claim on Wednesday read: "The best news I heard today is that Manchester United is now in an advanced stage of completing a deal to sell to a new investor…

"I hope he’s better than the previous owners."

Majority owners the Glazer family rejected a huge offer from Sheikh Jassim At Thani’s Qatar-based consortium almost two years ago.

Instead they accepted Ratcliffe’s £1.25bn offer for a 27.7 per cent stake in the club – which was finalised early last year. 

United are in talks over the possibility of a money-spinning trip to Saudi Arabia to play a mid-season friendly, which is being organised by Alalshikh.