By Fraser Fletcher, Transfer Correspondent

16th Feb, 2023 | 12:10pm

Man United takeover: Qatari investors 'won't meet Glazers' valuation' as expected bid revealed - sources

The Qatari consortium linked with a Man United takeover is unlikely to match the Glazers’ asking price but are still “ones to watch” ahead of Friday’s bidding deadline, sources have told Football Insider.

Journalist Ben Jacobs has told Football Insider that the current owners are asking for £6billion-plus as the Qatar Investment Authority and a number of other parties ready formal offers.

Any potential bids are believed to be between £4.2bn at the lower end and £5bn at the higher, and the potential buyers are insistent that their bid is strong.

Speaking on the Football Insider’s YouTube channel on Wednesday night, Jacobs said: “The desire of Qatar is genuine but I still don’t think the bid is going to meet the Glazer’s valuation of upwards of £6bn.

“But somewhere around some say at the lower end £4.2 to £4.5, some say £5bn. Something in that ballpark.

“But what these numbers have to be reflective of, is that encompassing of the treatment of the debt? Is that with a pledge to add another £1.5-£2bn on top to redevelop Old Trafford? This is where further conversations are needed.

“But Qatar refer to their bid as strong and have a desire to either buy or invest in a Premier League club. So, of course they are going to be one to watch.”

Jacobs told Football Insider that it has not been easy for the potential Middle East investors who have had to bring together a variety of stakeholders in Qatar to be able to put together a model that will satisfy Uefa.

The European organisation have a rule which forbids a party from owning multiple clubs in the same competition.

The bidders have also had to consider individuals that will pass the Premier League’s Owners’ and Directors’ test, which has resulted in a large amount of uncertainty surrounding their interest.

The test outlines requirements that would prohibit an individual from becoming an owner or director of a club.

Some of the restrictions include criminal convictions for a wide range of offences, a ban by a sporting or professional body, or breaches of certain key football regulations, such as match-fixing.

As a result, talks are ongoing as parties in Qatar work around the clock to try and find a feasible solution.

The Raine Group have asked interested parties to make their formal bids by Friday (17 February) which will need to be one paragraph that includes the amount and proof of funds.

There are expected to be several offers for the club by the deadline but only Britain’s richest man Sir Jim Ratcliffe has made his intention to bid public.

In other news, Man United have ‘active interest’ in Martinez.