Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani is reportedly in pole position to complete a takeover of Manchester United.

The Glazer family set a soft deadline of Friday February 17 for interested parties to submit takeover bids for the 20-time English champions.

Sheikh Jassim and Sir Jim Ratcliffe publicly stated that they had tabled offers ahead of the deadline set by the Raine Group, who are handling the takeover process on the Glazer's behalf.

In February, Sheikh Jassim released a statement confirming his bid, saying: "The bid plans to return the club to its former glories both on and off the pitch, and - above all - will seek to place the fans at the heart of Manchester United Football Club once more.

"The bid will be completely debt free via Sheikh Jassim's Nine Two Foundation, which will look to invest in the football teams, the training centre, the stadium and wider infrastructure, the fan experience and the communities the club supports."

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A recent report claimed that both Sheikh Jassim and Ratcliffe have progressed to the second round of the takeover process.

Although the pair have made it through to the next stage, it is believed that their offers fell below the £6bn asking price.

Despite failing to meet the Glazer's valuation, both parties will now engage in further talks with the Raine Group about a potential takeover.

According to RMC Sport, Sheikh Jassim appears to have the edge over Ratcliffe and is in pole position to buy the Premier League giants.

The Qatari offer would rid the club of its debt without the need for a loan, which is something Ratcliffe is unwilling to do.

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The report claims that Erik ten Hag's job would be safe if the Qatari-backed bid is successful, while transfer plans are already being drawn up.

If any of the takeovers bids move past the scheduled talks then they will be given access to Man United's financial accounts and legal data.

The Glazer family are reportedly split on a possible sale, with Avram Glazer and Joel Glazer reluctant to cede control of the club, while four of their family members are keen to profit from their initial investment.

A separate report from ESPN claims that the club's staff have been told that there will be "clarity" on the ownership situation by the end of the season.

Meanwhile, on the pitch, Man United will be aiming to bounce back from Sunday's demoralising 7-0 defeat to bitter rivals Liverpool when they face Real Betis in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie on Thursday.