Breaking news: British billionaire to buy stakes at Manchester United, as takeover saga draws to an end

According to The Athletic, British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe is set to purchase 25% of Manchester United as the INEOS founder is close to completing a takeover of the club.

The news comes after it was revealed on Saturday that his rival bidder Sheikh Jassim, had pulled out of the race, after having a final bid rejected.

Further details of the report claim that the Glazers are in agreement to sell a minority stake to the British billionaire.

The full agreement will be ratified once key figures at the club meet in the coming days to vote on the proposed deal – but this is expected to be no more than a formality.