MALCOLM Glazer's '800m bid for Gold Trafford will depend on whether he can persuade Irish horse-racing tycoons JP McManus and John Magnier to sell him their 28.9 per cent stake in the club.
Sources in Ireland indicated today there had been no move by the US sports baron, who owns 28.1 per cent of Manchester United, in the last week to woo the millionaire duo.
"The situation has not changed," an insider said.
A commentator in the City said today: "It is as it was before: Magnier and Co hold all the aces in this one. It all depends on how much cash Glazer is willing to offer - '3 per share has been suggested and I think that will be the very least they will take."
Glazer, 76, has been stalking United for the last six months. The club confirmed yesterday that it had received a detailed bid proposal from the American, his third move on the world's most famous club.
It is believed his latest offer will value the company at '800m and contain less debt in order to avoid another rebuff. United's board said previously it would not back a bid that left the club deeply in debt.
A debt-free business with one of the best-known sports brands in the world, United have fallen prey to rampant takeover speculation because of its huge marketing and cash-generating potential.
But fans have vociferously fought recent takeover approaches from Glazer.
According to reports Glazer has made a formal pledge to invest heavily in new players if he takes control.
His new offer also contains a commitment to United's plans to increase the capacity at Old Trafford to 76,000 includes a guarantee that a sale-and-leaseback of the stadium is not envisaged to meet future debts.
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A "Not Welcome"sign should be posted - in 20 metre tall words.
Extremly worrying and knowing a lot of the shareholders are the money grabbers like glazer then I am seriously worried.
Suggest anyone interested read about the man - picture becomes uglier - on Timesonline by A O'Connor
Up The Reds
The word 'envisage' doesn't mean squat where Glazer is involved, He will milk this club fro every penny (sorry cent) and then break it up. We can't trust this idiot as far as we can spit. Big follower of American Football as well, and he has done nothing for the Buccaners, fluked 1 Superbowl, and the team has been in decline since (partly I believe, to selling their best players before the beginning of the next season). Had to laugh at the biography of Glazer and his sons on the Buc's website. Said he took an under preforming franchise and made them great, yet it takes more than 1 fluke to make you great, and look where they are now - LAST again. That really preforming!!!!