Sir Jim Ratcliffe is the lead bidder to secure a stake in Manchester United once his offer is eventually approved.
The ‘finer details’ of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s investment in Manchester United are being discussed, The Mail reports.
Despite optimism the partial takeover could be approved this week, it will take a little longer.
Ratcliffe’s firm Ineos is proposing to invest £1.3 billion for a 25 per cent stake, and that’s not all.
According to The Times, Ineos have funds set aside for improvements to Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadium.
Earlier in the week the outlet claimed Sir Jim Ratcliffe intends to increase Old Trafford’s capacity to 90,000.
The report also suggests more funds could be made available for transfers, however, this is more speculative.
There are also plans afoot to generate capital to buy more shares to increase the minority stake upwards from 25 per cent.
The report says: “Insiders have said everything is progressing as intended, including plans to set funds aside for stadium redevelopment.
“Should the deal now go ahead, it is possible fresh funds will be raised to invest in United, perhaps by selling additional stock that enables Ratcliffe to increase his stake.”
A separate report in the Financial Times report Ratcliffe’s key ally, Sir David Brailsford, will have a key hands-on role in his planned reshaping of Manchester United.
Ineos want control of the football operations, and that could mean a shake-up behind the scenes. Bob Ratcliffe, Sir Jim’s brother, is Ineos’ head of football, and would also be involved.
There is speculation around various figures who could become sporting directors or lead recruitment, with question marks over the futures of John Murtough and Richard Arnold, who want to fight for their jobs.
