Manchester United are on the verge of fresh investment and it could come as a boost to their squad before the transfer market reopens in January.
11 months after the much-maligned Glazer family announced a strategic review of their ownership, billionaire and INEOS founder Sir Jim Ratcliffe is now expected to buy a 25 per cent stake in the club.
It is thought to be worth £1.3billion to the Americans. Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani is no longer in contention to become the new owner - after what was a whirlwind 24 hours - leaving the door ajar for Ratcliffe to press on with his plans to invest.
But there is still red tape for the 70-year-old to get through. ALSO READ: How the squad could look after Sir Jim's first summer window ALSO READ: The Glazer family are retaining control at United for one reason Even so, the Failsworth-born billionaire reportedly already has one eye on potential signings.