Man Utd co-owner Avram Glazer ‘is AGAINST selling club and only put Red Devils up for sale for ‘fishing expedition”
MANCHESTER UNITED co-owner Avram Glazer does not want to sell the club, according to reports.
The Red Devils were put up for sale in November with the Glazers reportedly seeking £6billion.
They have attracted bids from three parties – Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Sheikh Jassim, and Thomas Zilliacus, all of which fall under their asking price.
Elliott Management are also interested in investing into the club in a deal that would see the Glazers retain majority control.
And it would seem that is Avram’s preferred course of action as the American is to retain control of the club, report the Daily Mail.
It is believed Avram, 62, was merely on a ‘fishing expedition’ to see how much his family could fetch for the club at some point in the future.
His brother Joel, 55, is also said to be hesitant about a sale.
But it is claimed he would greenlight a takeover if the winning bid matches his £6bn valuation, which would mark a significant profit.
Both Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim are believed to have tabled offers worth £5bn, with further plans to redevelop Old Trafford and invest in the playing squad.
SunSport understands the sheikh also discussed a joint venture with the Glazers which could see NFL games in the Middle East.
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Sheikh Jassim thinks buying United from the Glazers, who also own the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, could kick-start a relationship which would see NFL teams take American football to the Middle East.
Finnish entrepreneur Zilliacus has not given up the chase however, and wants Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim to join his bid.
He told SunSport: “A bidding war favours nobody except the Glazers.
“I have reached out to both Sheikh Jassim and Sir Jim to try and join forces and am waiting to hear back.
“I would have the capital to take over the club myself but I am not in this for an ego trip.
“I strongly believe that this way we can agree on a sensible price, as I believe £6billion is too high.
“Then the extra billions each of us would have spent on a single bid can be used to invest in the club.
“From the club and fans perspective it would be far better to have three dedicated owners with strong financial backing develop the club.”