Man Utd takeover: Fabrizio Romano reveals when Sir Jim Ratcliffe deal will be done

Manchester United fans are eagerly awaiting confirmation of Sir Jim Ratcliffe's partial takeover of the club.

And respected football journalist Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on when the deal will finally be done. Speaking during a Kick live stream, he said: "Next week is going to be important for the history of Manchester United.

“The expectation is for finally Sir Jim Ratcliffe to sign all the documents and so to complete the formal steps of the 25 per cent minority stake acquisition. This is going to be a big moment with a new CEO. Jean-Claude Blanc is ready and is really close to getting the job with new people in charge of the transfer market strategy. It’s going to be a big change.”

Once Ratcliffe’s purchase is in place, he plans to oversee the club’s football operations, including transfer policy. The Failsworth-born billionaire also intends to bring Sir Dave Brailsford and Jean-Claude Blanc to United in some capacity.

What's the latest with the Man Utd takeover?

Our Manchester World football writer Michael Plant said: 'Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s partial Manchester United takeover was delayed once again last week, causing further frustration for supporters. Fans had hoped the 25 percent investment from Ineos would be wrapped up in time for January, giving a clearer structure ahead of the transfer window opening, but that now looks unlikely.

'The Glazers have all but agreed for Ratcliffe to purchase a minority stake in the club, with the finer details still to be completed. Once formally agreed, there will be a gap until the deal is formally ratified, in order for parties to comply with public company regulations and Premier League tests.'

When is a deal likely to be completed?

Earlier this week, Sky reported that an agreement has been ‘pencilled in’ for early next week, with Ineos officials set to take two boardroom seats at Old Trafford. The minority investment will cost $33-a-share, with Ratcliffe buying 25 percent of the company’s A-shares and B-shares.

“Sir Jim is understood to be committed to investing additional sums in future, although it is unclear whether these will be publicly discussed at the time of the stake purchase,” Sky add.