Man Utd takeover: ‘World’s best player’ features on astonishing 10-man target list as Sheikh Jassim plans blockbuster summer

Manchester United will reportedly enjoy the biggest summer transfer window of their history if Sheikh Jassim’s Qatari group is named as the preferred bidder to buy the club.

The Red Devils will soon be in control of new owners after the much-maligned Glazers decided to put the club up for sale. Indeed, their reign – which stretches back to 2005 – has been the subject of a plethora of protests from angry fans.

But now a bright new era is dawning, with the Glazers ready to sell up and potentially never be seen again.

They stand though to make an incredible profit on the £790m paid by Malcolm Glazer 18 years ago. With his passing in 2014, majority control of the club passed to his sons, Joel and Avram.

And they are reportedly looking for up to £6bn for any successful bidder.

Now after a long-winded and complicated process, two main contenders have emerged.

First up is Sheikh Jassim and his Qatari backers. They are understood to have offered the Glazers’ their £6bn asking price. In addition, they plan to also clear the club’s £500m debts and also has lavish plans to further redevelop Old Trafford and the surrounding area.

But that offer is rivaled by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS. Their offer is reportedly worth £5.5bn, though they could have the upper hand by offering to let the Glazers retain a minority stake in the club.

The decision over the preferred bidder is due to be announced by the Raine Group, who are advising and handling the takeover.

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Sheikh Jassim targets 10 major stars if he seals Man Utd takeover

However, Ratcliffe’s prospects have taken a severe downturn in the past 10 days following a series of criticisms. Most of that centre around INEOS’s running of their other club, Nice, with Ratcliffe failing to deliver on a string of promises.

And with a growing feeling that Sheikh Jassim will prevail, there have been plenty of claims growing over would-be targets.

First up, the Qataris plan to abolish Erik ten Hag’s plans to introduce a £200,000 a week salary cap. The United boss felt the restriction was needed to prevent jealousy among his players and in the wake of Cristiano Ronaldo’s bitter fall-out.

However, the decision has come in for severe criticism with Gary Neville claiming it will prevent United from landing the game’s top stars.

As a follow-up, the Sheikh is reportedly willing to write a blank cheque to sign a €100m-rated Real Madrid star.

That comes amid fresh claims about both Kylian Mbappe and Neymar potentially being targeted.

And it seems United will have to get used to their team being linked with some of the game’s biggest names once again.

Now, according to reports in Spain, Sheikh Jassim is willing to bankroll some mouthwatering deals this summer.

And it’s claimed he has a 10-name wishlist to turn United into serious contenders for the top trophies again.

First up are strikers, with Ten Hag’s wish to sign a new centre-forward very well documented.

Per the report, the shortlist is topped by Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen, with Juventus’ Dusan Vlahovic a back-up option.

The Napoli striker would command a huge fee were he to leave the Serie A champions. Indeed, the latest reports claim president Aurelio De Laurentiis is placing a prohibitive €150m (£132m) fee on the Nigerian’s head.

Triple Napoli raid on cards for Man Utd

And Osimhen might not be the only star to quit Napoli for Manchester United if Sheikh Jassim gets his way.

Indeed, he also wants United to sign coveted winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, recently branded the world’s best player.

The back-up plan for the Georgian is Bayern Munich’s Kingsley Coman.

In terms of midfield reinforcements, Sheikh Jassim has three targets in mind, starting with Frenkie de Jong.

Prising the Dutchman away from Barcelona proved long and fruitless last summer. It could be a similar situation this time around too, despite Barcelona’s need to generate around €200m.

As alternatives, the club are reportedly looking at Adrien Rabiot and Alexis Mac Allister. Of the trio, a deal for Rabiot looks easiest given his deal at Juventus expires in a matter of weeks.

By contrast, Mac Allister appears increasingly likely to sign for Liverpool.

United also reportedly have two targets in mind to strengthen their defence. And the club are reportedly looking at Barcelona’s Ronald Araujo and another Napoli man in Kim Min-jae as options.

South Korean star Kim has an exit clause worth €50m and effective from July 1. And reports claim United are willing to pay a premium to get his signing wrapped up early.

Either way, the club are poised for a hugely busy summer and potentially even moreso if Sheikj Jassim’s party succeeds in their quest to buy the club.

READ MORE: The six strikers heavily linked with Man Utd and how they compare in 2022/23: Kane, Osimhen…