Manchester United takeover bidder Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al-Thani has reportedly been in talks about taking control of another European club.
With doubts emerging over whether the Glazer family will accept Qatar’s £5 billion proposal to acquire Manchester United, there is now a belief that Sheikh Jassim is also interested in investing in Serie A giants Inter Milan.
That means if Sheikh Jassim proves unsuccessful with his offer to buy United, the Qatari banker could turn his attention to Inter.
According to Italian outlet Tuttomercato, Sheikh Jassim’s bid for United has suffered a setback with the Glazers close to agreeing on a deal with Sir Jim Ratcliffe instead.
Sheikh Jassim is said to have coincided with Inter’s search for new investment. The Italians are currently looking for a new sponsor and there has been talks with Qatar Airways, which could smooth relations for the Qatari banker to swoop in.
That said, a potential deal has obstacles after it emerged that Inter president Steven Zhang wants to sell the club for £1.2 billion. It is believed Sheikh Jassim ‘baulked’ at the asking price.
The Raine Group, who are advising the Glazer family on the sale of Manchester United, are also advising Zhang.
It’s just a shame for United that the Glazers are prepared to let the situation drag on. They announced their plans to potentially sell the club last November!
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