Qatar’s Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad has submitted a new improved bid for Manchester United ahead of the deadline for second bids, Sky News understands.

The Sheikh, chairman of Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB), made a second bid for Manchester United after his representatives visited the Premier League club last week.

But Sky News understands that as many as seven other bids could be made before today’s deadline for second offers.

The current owners, the Glazer family, are selling the club but will only do so for the right price. It is believed the family have valued the club at £6bn.

British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe, through his chemical firm INEOS, is also expected to make a second offer for the club after visiting last week.