Qatar representatives hold talks with Man United club officials ahead of a potential takeover

The team behind the Qatar-based bid for Manchester United is currently holding talks with club officials at Old Trafford.

On a rainy day in the city, a group from across the globe are speaking to various departments at the club and officials from the US bank handling the sale process.

It includes what have been described as ‘a series of big hitters’ in an indication of how seriously Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani is taking the potential takeover.

Shahzad Shahbaz, president on the Nine Two Foundation set up by the Sheikh was present, along with Fady Bakhos the Sheikh’s senior personal advisors. 

They were joined by Sam Powers, global head of technology, media and telecoms at Bank of America and Yasir Shah, a managing director with the same company which is helping with the financial element of the bid, while lawyers from international firm Macfarlanes were also present.

Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad’s team have been speaking to Man United officials today

Sir Jim Ratcliffe will speak with Man United club officials at Old Trafford on Friday

Sheikh Jassim was not present for the talks at this stage.

Tomorrow, Sir Jim Ratcliffe is due for similar presentations at Old Trafford, along with members of the bid team from his Ineos company. 

Two other unnamed groups are said to be in the running to take over the club with multiple other offers of investment. Senior members of New York-based Raine Group, who are overseeing the process, were also present.