Sir Jim Ratcliffe's Manchester United deal 'still some way from being completed'

The British billionaire is set to pay in the region of £1.4bn to buy a 25% stake in the Red Devils, having beaten off competition from Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani.

Sheikh Jassim was thought to be the favourite for much of the takeover process, but he withdrew his offer over the weekend, having become frustrated with the conduct of the Glazer family.

A recent report claimed that Ratcliffe's deal could be signed and sealed within the next two weeks, but according to inews, 'there is still some way to go' before a deal can be confirmed.

An announcement is expected in 'weeks rather than months', but Ratcliffe's presence at Old Trafford will reportedly not be felt until next season.

Ratcliffe is allegedly keen for Man United to be active during the January transfer window, although it is an incredibly difficult month to bring in the right type of players.

The owner and founder of the INEOS Group is thought to believe that a mid-season arrival would win over some of the supporters, with many likely to be unhappy that the Glazers are staying for the moment.

Ratcliffe is said to be determined to complete a gradual takeover of the Red Devils and views a 25% stake as an important first step in that process.

The British billionaire is said to value Man United in the region of £6bn, but Sheikh Jassim's last offer for a 100% purchase of the club is thought to have been around £5bn.

Sheikh Jassim would reportedly have been looking to bring in Paris Saint-Germain's Kylian Mbappe next summer had he been successful in completing a takeover.

There are expected to be funds available in January, especially as Jadon Sancho is seemingly set to leave Old Trafford at the start of 2024.

Borussia Dortmund are believed to be the favourites to take Sancho on loan for the rest of the season, with the forward not currently involved with the first team due to his falling-out with head coach Erik ten Hag.

Patrice Evra, Nemanja Vidic and Andy Cole are prime examples of the Red Devils using the January transfer window successfully in the past.

Amid the off-the-field developments, Man United are preparing for their next Premier League match, with the team facing a trip to Sheffield United on Saturday.