Exclusive: Ben Jacobs Takeover - Man Utd due for big day in takeover saga, Pochettino to return to Tottenham? Ruben Neves latest, and more

This week's exclusive transfer news column, featuring Liverpool, Barcelona, Chelsea, and more.

Big Wednesday ahead for Manchester United - the latest on the takeover front

Wednesday is a big day for Manchester United. As many as six second bids could go in as part of what is being termed stage two of the process. The deadline for new offers is 9pm UK.

Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani and Sir Jim Ratcliffe are the two publicly-declared bidders and are both expected to place improved offers. It’s also important to point out that other groups, including minority investors, are still in the process.

If a standout offer emerges then the Raine Group – who are handling the sale on behalf of the Glazers – could name a preferred bidder and put them through to a period of exclusivity. However, sources say it’s “very possible” there will be an extra bidding stage to create “competitive tension”.