Sir Jim Ratcliffe's INEOS remain favourites to buy Manchester United.

Ratcliffe is battling Sheik Jassim for control of United with new offers tabled to the Glazer family, the club's owners, last week.

Sky Sports says English billionaire Ratcliffe is favourite after meeting with directors just days ago.

The meeting was 'inconclusive' but while the directors 'did not opt to enter into exclusive negotiations', Ratcliffe seems to be in pole position.

Ratcliffe intends to buy a majority stake in United, leaving Glazer brothers Avram and Joel with a minority share.

In contrast, Qatari Sheikh Jassim intends to buy 100 per cent of the club.