Manchester United takeover news live Sir Jim Ratcliffe latest and Raphael Varane contract update

Manchester United fans are expecting to go into the new year with Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s investment still not ratified despite it now being more than a year since the takeover process began.

Given his arrival will need to go through several regulation processes, including the Premier League owners' test, it could be weeks before he is eventually in situ. With just 11 days of the year left, it seems certain that Ratcliffe will have no bearing on United’s January plans.

What does seem clear is that Donny van de Beek is set to leave for Frankfurt. He might not be the only player to leave with Preston interested in bringing in academy star Dan Gore on loan for the second half of the season.

However, United will need to sell in order to buy this winter. Club chiefs have outlined how they are still concerned by Financial Fair Play after a £180m-plus summer spend

Take a look at the latest news, views and rumours involving United below.

Fulham have an 'agreement in principle' to sign Fluminense midfielder Andre, according to talkSPORT.

United were among several European sides to have been linked with a move for the 22-year-old, who could face Manchester City in the Club World Cup final on Friday.

Marcos Silva's side are said to be willing to pay in excess of £20m for the Brazilian and are waiting to see if Joao Palhinha's exit will offset a January move.

Jack Fletcher trained with the Manchester United first team last month and the talented teenager might not have long to wait to become a permanent fixture.

The creative midfielder was the standout performer as the Reds edged past Derby County in the FA Youth Cup at Old Trafford. Donning the number 10 shirt, the son of Reds Technical Director Darren pulled the strings in the