Sir Jim Ratcliffe is to complete a deal for 25 per cent of Manchester United – which would see the Glazer family remain at the club – within days, following the withdrawal of Qatari Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani from the takeover battle.
The petrochemicals billionaire, a boyhood United fan, has seen off his main rival and his offer, which is viewed as the first step of a gradual takeover, is expected to be ratified at a board meeting in the coming week.
INEOS supremo Ratcliffe had initially lodged a bid for a majority stake in the club.