Glazer's new Man Utd ploy

MALCOLM Glazer, the US sports mogul stalking Manchester United, is prepared to drop a key condition in his attempt to win the backing of Irish racing tycoons JP McManus and John Magnier, the largest shareholders.

Talks between the two sides broke down this month because of the strings attached to Glazer's offer for their

28.9% stake, valuing United at 300p a share, or £787m.

The Irish baulked at having to wait for their cash until a deal to buy United was completed, requiring Glazer, with

28.1%, to gain the approval of threequarters of the club's shareholders.

Now City sources say that Glazer is prepared to waive that condition.

JP Morgan, the US investment bank advising Glazer on the heavily debt-funded deal, is insisting due diligence is completed before any money is released. But a source said: 'That would mean the Irish can have their money in a week, rather than months. Price has never been the sticking point.'