Finnish entrepreneur Thomas Zilliacus has not placed an offer for Man Utd despite his claims to the contrary on Thursday, according to reports.
Zilliacus told Pressat that his bid for the club – apparently placed on Wednesday through XXI Century Capital, an investment firm owned by his holding company – is “built on equality with the fans” and that “if every fan joins it means less than 3 dollars per fan”.
In another interview with Sky Sports he said that he would be happy to “join forces” with other bidders in an effort to get a deal done.
“We have the finances,” Zilliacus told Sky Sports. “The Glazers know the world is not flush with money, but there is enough in the hands of people who are looking for interesting opportunities and returns.
“I feel this could be one of those. To finance the bid, frankly I don’t see that as a big obstacle. We have finance available for whatever is required but we won’t go to crazy levels.
“I’ve read there are as many as five other bidders for the club. We would be happy to talk to the other bidders to join forces with one or more of those if they feel the same as we do about involving the fans.”
However, CBS Sports journalist Ben Jacobs wrote on Twitter: ‘Insiders dismiss Thomas Zilliacus’ bid. Finnish entrepreneur has not actually placed an offer. He has only expressed intent.
‘He has now released a second statement asking Sheikh Jassim and Sir Jim Ratcliffe to “join forces so that we can buy and manage the club together.”‘
Talking about his interview with Zilliacus, Jacobs adds: “You can hear my interview with Zilliacus below. I ask him whether this is all just a PR stunt and whether he’s been directly informed he’s not being taken seriously. He also hints he’ll consider Liverpool.”
Zilliacus was the third party to pubicly declare his interest in taking over Man Utd with INEOS founder Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Qatar’s Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani the other two.
Giving an update on bids from Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim, Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol said: “There was this deadline last night (Wednesday) of 9pm, and we understand Ratcliffe’s team got in touch with Raine to ask for a little bit more time, and that bid has gone in today.
“We’re now just waiting to hear that the Qataris have put their bid in too. We know Ratcliffe has the funds in place – not all of it will be his own money – to be able to buy Man Utd.
“How much is the bid…
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