Sir Jim Ratcliffe sends Sheikh Jassim message amid Tottenham takeover talk

Manchester United's new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has joked that he doesn't believe Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al-Thani is real amid rumours he will attempt to purchase Tottenham Hotspur next.

The self-proclaimed United fan Sheikh Jassim had proposed a 100 per cent takeover of the Reds much to the delight of the supporters who wanted to see an end to the Glazers' rule. However, in October it was announced that the Qatari banker had withdrawn from the process claiming the American owners of United were not interested in a full sale at any point.

Since then, Sheikh Jassim has been linked with a takeover of Spurs as he searches for a Premier League club to invest in. The North London club's chairman Daniel Levy admitted last year he would be open to leaving Spurs if the price was right.

He explained: «I've got no real interest in leaving Tottenham, but I have a duty to consider anything that anyone may want to propose. It's not about me, it's about what's right for the club.

»We have 30,000 shareholders who own approximately 13.5 per cent. We run this club as if it is a public company.

«If anyone wants to make serious propositions to the board of Tottenham, we will consider it along with our advisors. And if we felt it was in the interests of the club, we would be open to anything.»

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During a media call in Knightsbridge, Ratcliffe was asked about Sheikh Jassim and why he felt his bid was accepted over the Qataris' offer. He replied: «Still nobody’s ever seen him, actually. The Glazers never met him… he never… I’m not sure he exists!»

When asked if it was true the Sheikh Jassim bid did not show proof of funds, Ratcliffe added: «No, they didn’t. No.»

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