Sir Jim Ratcliffe has outbid Sheikh Jassim for control of Manchester United, it has been revealed.
The Times says Ratcliffe's INEOS have raised their offer to 6bn in the past fortnight. In contrast, Sheikh Jassim's bid remains in the 5bn range.
The collapse of Swiss bank Credit Suisse in March has hit the Qatari Royal family, costing them billions as shareholders and, therefore, has restricted them as they look to buy United.
Sheik Jassim, however, is exploring other methods to fund the takeover and plans to propose a new fourth bid for United.
But for now, Ratcliffe is the outright favourite in the bid battle.