Manchester United find themselves at a crucial juncture in their history, as the Glazer family prepare for a final decision on their future in charge at Old Trafford.
The Glazers have been assessing offers from Qatari billionaire Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani and the UK's second-richest person, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, as they look to potentially secure a £7bn ($8.8bn) deal to sell United.
As the American owners continue to deliberate over their next step, amid growing fan frustration and protests over their continued involvement at the club, the sale could transform United and the club ownership landscape in Premier League football.
The Premier League has been revolutionised by new owners in recent seasons. But the potential package being putting in place for United would force a major change, putting the club at the very top of a list of biggest club sales in football history.
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Man United club sale latest
Despite ongoing talks with Sheikh Jassim or Sir Jim Ratcliffe and substantial bids from both parties, the Glazers are yet to offer a firm update over what will come next.
Summer rumours over a possible U-turn have gathered pace, with United fans reminded of the lack of clarity from the initial statement which claimed "there can be no assurance that the review being undertaken will result in any transaction involving the company".
However, there appears to be some progress being made, with reports from the Daily Mirror claiming the Qatari interest has won the race ahead of Ratcliffe.
The process is still expected to drag on until the end of 2023, as the Glazers continue to explore all options available, but Cardiff City chairman Mehmet Dalman – a close confidant of the American family, having been involved in their 2005 takeover – claims the deal is done; although subsequent newspaper reports have quashed such suggestions.
Most expensive club takeovers in history
If United is sold in its entirety, to either Sheikh Jassim or Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the amounts being mentioned over a final price would represent a huge increase from the previous highest figures involving Premier League club takeovers.
Ahead of potential changes at United, the current most expensive club takeover came via Todd Boehly's 2022 purchase of Chelsea from Roman Abramovich.
US businessman Boehly is reported to have paid £4.25bn to acquire the Blues with the 49-year-old already investing an estimated £832.65m / $950.35m on new players at Stamford Bridge.
Prior to Boehly's arrival at Chelsea, the Glazers' £790m purchase of United was the top deal, having been completed in 2005, following two years of purchasing club shares.
The chasm between the amount the Glazers paid for United in 2005 and what Boehly paid for Chelsea in 2022 shows the incredible economic growth of the Premier League in the following two decades, with buyouts including Stan Kroenke at Arsenal, Sheikh Mansour and Manchester City and John Henry/FSG at Liverpool, not coming close.
| Rank | Club | Takeover date | Owner(s) | Club sale price |
| 1. | Chelsea | May, 2022 | Todd Boehly/Clearlake | £4.25bn |
| 2. | Man United | May, 2005 | Glazer Family | £790m |
| 3. | Arsenal | Aug, 2018 | Stan Kroenke/KSE | £731m |
| 4. | Newcastle United | Oct, 2021 | Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund | £300m |
| = | Liverpool | Oct, 2010 | Fenway Sports Group | £300m |
| 6. | Man City | Aug, 2008 | Sheik Mansour/City Football Group | £210m |
