Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reportedly looking to develop a multi-club model at Manchester United, with the British billionaire preparing to purchase 25% of the Red Devils.
The owner and the founder of the INEOS Group is expected to pay around £1.4bn for 25% of Man United, with a deal expected to be announced before the end of the year.
Ratcliffe is said to view the move as an important first step in a gradual takeover, with the 71-year-old determined to become the majority owner in the future.
The billionaire is expected to take control of sporting operations at Old Trafford, and according to Football Insider, Ratcliffe wants to develop a multi-club model which can rival Manchester City.
The report claims that Man United are currently missing out on Under-18 talent due to Brexit, and Ratcliffe is planning to take over smaller clubs abroad in order to allow them to loan out youngsters.
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INEOS and Ratcliffe already own French outfit Nice and Swiss team Lausanne Sport, which will allegedly both be used by Man United to loan out talented youngsters.
There have been suggestions that Ratcliffe has already decided to remove Erik ten Hag as head coach, with Brighton & Hove Albion manager Roberto De Zerbi identified as a potential replacement.
However, Man United eased the pressure on their current boss with a 1-0 victory over Fulham in the Premier League on Saturday, with Bruno Fernandes scoring the winner late on.
Ratcliffe's main rival for the Red Devils had been Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani, but the Qatari banker recently withdrew his offer, which had been for 100% of the club.
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Ratcliffe has reportedly also committed £245m from his own fortune to improve Man United's infrastructure amid concerns over Old Trafford and the Carrington training complex.
At this stage, it is unclear how much impact the Brit will have this season, but he is thought to be planning to shake up the football department.
As a result, CEO Richard Arnold and director of football John Murtough could both allegedly lose their jobs, with Ratcliffe said to be keen to bring in his own team.
On the field, Man United will be bidding to make it successive wins when they head to Denmark next week for a Champions League contest with Copenhagen.
The Red Devils will then take on Luton Town at Old Trafford in the Premier League next weekend ahead of the November international break.
Matt Law
