Manchester United takeover latest as Sir Jim Ratcliffe yet to make key Old Trafford decision

Manchester United's incoming co-owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, is on the verge of joining the club officially after receiving the green light from the Premier League on Tuesday.

Following the announcement on Christmas Eve that Ratcliffe would be acquiring a 25 percent stake in the Reds, with rule over the football side of the project included, the wait has dragged on for the Premier League to ratify the deal. Part of this process saw Ratcliffe undergo the Owners and Director's Test to check if he had sufficient funds to purchase the stake in United.

This was passed on Tuesday, so the only step remaining is for the FA to approve the deal before the club makes an official announcement. While we await that green light, the rumour mill is turning as to what Ratcliffe's next move will be.

READ MORE: Ratcliffe must consider three things with Old Trafford decision

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MEN Sport has rounded up all the news regarding the takeover below.

MEN Sport understands that Ashworth wants to leave Newcastle to become United's inaugural sporting director. It is understood the Ineos Group, which now oversees football operations at United, is so confident of prising Ashworth from Newcastle they have not sounded out alternatives for the post as he is their only target.

Newcastle sporting director Ashworth would have to serve a lengthy spell of gardening leave before assuming the role at United. Incoming chief executive Omar Berrada is already on gardening leave, having defected from Manchester City last month.

The Ineos sporting director Sir Dave Brailsford is familiar with Ashworth, who arranged for the former head of British cycling and Team Sky to give a motivational presentation to Newcastle players during