Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS are hopeful that their offer to buy Manchester United could be officially named as the preferred bid in the next week, 90min understands.

The offer fronted by Ratcliffe is believed to technically value the club higher than the rival world-record £5bn bid from Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al-Thani.

However, this is in part because Ratcliffe only wants to purchase a controlling stake and there is a distinct possibility for the Glazers to remain at Man Utd.

Raine Group, who are handling the sale of the club, have not yet named a preferred bidder, but it is believed that Ratcliffe is leading the race and an confirmation of this development could be confirmed in the coming days.

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Sources close to Sheikh Jassim's bid via the Nine Two Foundation believe that the Glazers had long intended to stay at Man Utd in some form, though they have not yet given up hope of striking a deal.

Hundreds of Man Utd fans protested against the Glazers staying at the club prior to their recent win against Aston Villa at Old Trafford, demanding they sell up entirely.

90min previously confirmed that Raine Group have also received various offers from bidders looking to become minority investors in Man Utd.

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This article was originally published on 90min as Man Utd takeover: Glazer family leaning towards Sir Jim Ratcliffe bid.