Can Sir Jim Ratcliffe sign players in January? Transfers explained and Manchester United takeover latest

Manchester United fans are eagerly awaiting confirmation that Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s 25 per cent investment has been ratified.

The Failsworth-born businessman is set to take over sporting control upon his eventual arrival, with boardroom changes expected to be made. Former CEO Richard Arnold has already left while United are planning for a potential replacement for football director John Murotugh.

Ratcliffe's company Ineos will splash out £1.3billion for 25 per cent of United, meaning the Glazers will still have the final call on decisions although Ratcliffe is set to have a significant say. He has already given United fans a glimpse of his proactivity at French club OGC Nice, who he bought in 2019. Ratcliffe has not been afraid to dish out the dough when it comes to transfers while he has invested in infrastructure.

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Nice are flying in Ligue 1 this season but Ratcliffe’s impact at United is unknown given his minority share situation, albeit he's said to be poised to invest £245m in club facilities upon his eventual arrival. Reports also suggest it is feasible that Britain's second-richest businessman could have his bid ratified by Christmas Day.

But even if this did materialise, he would have no sway over January transfer plans because there are several regulatory hoops the club would need to jump through, including the Premier League’s owners and director’s test. That is not a swift processes and could take a number of weeks to complete, by which time January might be over.

United are also restricted by Financial Fair Play. Club chiefs have already indicated they are not expecting a busy window