Manchester United takeover latest as Sir Jim Ratcliffe told who he should appoint first

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has one eye firmly on Manchester United as he prepares to complete his investment.

It was expected the INEOS founder would be officially welcomed into the boardroom by the Glazers during the international break. However, as has become a recurring theme during this process, delays have pushed back his arrival.

While he is not in just yet, Ratcliffe is still expected to purchase 25 per cent of United in the coming days and weeks. Once on board, the 71-year-old is expected to be handed the keys to the football project and he has already played a hand in CEO Richard Arnold's departure, with sporting director John Murtough thought to be next on the list.

READ MORE: Glazers paying out 'whopping fees'

READ MORE: Liverpool's £80m decision shows the gap they must bridge

In our look at the takeover headlines, Ratcliffe has been told who he should replace Murtough with.

Former centre-back Mikael Silvestre has backed Italian icon Paolo Maldini to become United's new sporting director.

Amid INEOS Sport's impending investment at Old Trafford, a structural reform is set to take place within United's hierarchy. Richard Arnold exited his role as chief executive earlier this month and Frenchman Jean-Claude Blanc has been installed as the favourite to replace him.

There has also been increasing speculation suggesting Ratcliffe, who is leading INEOS' bid for a 25 per cent stake in the club, wants to appoint a new sporting director to oversee the club's football operations and recruitment. Former Tottenham Hotspur transfer guru Paul Mitchell has been heavily linked with the position.