A report from Britain suggests that US businessman Malcolm Glazer's bid to buy Manchester United is expected to take a significant step forward later this week.
The Press Association said it understood that Glazer and his main bankers JP Morgan had independently reviewed the results of the examination of United's accounts authorised by the club's chief executive David Gill last month and were now finalising their plans to progress with a formal offer.
PA said there were 'unconfirmed suggestions' that a bid could be placed before Gill within the next 48 hours, a move that would force the men running the world's richest club to decide whether to recommend the bid or not.
Gill has previously stated that Glazer's proposals were 'aggressive' and 'potentially damaging' to United's long-term future. If Gill adopts a neutral stance, it would place the spotlight firmly on major shareholders John Magnier and JP McManus, who between them own 28.9% of the club.
Should the Irishmen decide to sell, Glazer, who has a 28.8% stake, would effectively have control of Old Trafford, a situation that could trigger mutiny among United fans, who have waged a fierce campaign against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers owner. Some have even threatened to launch a breakaway club.
