Sir Jim Ratcliffe could hand Manchester United supporters the ultimate present in the days leading up to Christmas Day if plans don’t change again, according to reports. But unlike the leftovers families will be enjoying on Boxing Day this year, fans may not have much to look forward to in the January transfer window.
Ratcliffe has occupied the driving seat in the takeover saga for a few months, but official confirmation of his imminent investment has faced continued delays.
The 71-year-old is set to complete a £1.3billion deal for a 25 per cent stake in United, and he will inherit sporting control at Old Trafford once the Premier League ratifies it.
And supporters might not have too long to wait for an announcement of his impending arrival, according to the Mail.
This week, reporter Mike Keegan told the It’s All Kicking Off podcast that a “decent source” in the United States believes an official word before Christmas is realistic.
There is said to be hope among those involved in the process that Ratcliffe’s minority investment will be formally agreed upon in the coming days.
Once lawyers navigate past the legal issues holding up the deal and the Glazers give him the green light, the Premier League’s approval process is expected to stretch to February.
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It means INEOS won’t have any influence on the January transfer window, which United have publicly insisted won’t be a busy period.
The report claims that business will be limited due to the club’s Financial Fair Play restrictions.
However, United supporters have been told to expect at least two high-profile departures this winter – Donny van de Beek and Jadon Sancho.
Van de Beek has reportedly already undergone a medical at Eintracht Frankfurt ahead of a short loan switch.
The Bundesliga club will have the option to sign him for just £13million in the summer transfer window if his temporary spell goes to plan.
Sancho is also in the shop window, but his exit has proven more problematic due to his £250,000-a-week salary.
Borussia Dortmund have been linked with bringing him back to the Westfalenstadion. However, it would likely be limited to a loan and require United to contribute toward his wages.
The Red Devils will reportedly also listen to offers for Raphael Varane, Casemiro and Anthony Martial in January.
