Manchester United takeover latest as Sir Jim Ratcliffe target 'wants Glazers promise'

Manchester United's takeover has been on the minds of fans for more than a year now but this week has provided reasons to be hopeful of a swift conclusion.

On Tuesday, reports suggested Sir Jim Ratcliffe could have his feet under the table at Carrington before Christmas Day. After an excruciating wait for progress on the deal, news of a resolution being in the pipeline in the near future is positive.

However, supporters have been here before. INEOS were widely expected to enter United during the November international break but that never materialised. Now, one of Ratcliffe's top targets is reportedly wanting a promise from the Glazers before joining the club. Here's the latest takeover news.

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On Monday, MEN Sport reported Ratcliffe had targeted Newcastle's Dan Ashworth to be the club's new sporting director. John Murtough would move into an administrative role at Old Trafford after generating positive feedback during INEOS' fact-finding missions.

While Ashworth may seem unlikely to trade the North East for the North West, Football Transfers understands the role at United tempts him thanks to his positive relationship with INEOS chief Sir Dave Brailsford. However, if he is to join, the former Brighton man wants reassurances he will be working in tandem with INEOS rather than under the Glazers' umbrella. Should Ratcliffe achieve his 25 per cent stake of United, he is expected to take on the football project from the Glazers.

It’s been made pretty clear that any United turnaround under Ratcliffe will be more of a slow evolution than an instant revolution. The 71-year-old has