Manchester United are expected to announce billionaire businessman Jim Ratcliffe has acquired 25% of the Premier League club within two weeks, according to reports.
No official timetable has been released but news agency PA said the formal details might coincide with the next international break in a week’s time.
Reports so far have suggested Ratcliffe will pay £1.25 billion for a 25% stake with the possibility of another £250m to come directly from the Ineos owner to upgrade Old Trafford.
In one of the many curiosities surrounding the deal, Ratcliffe already owns the rights to explore shale gas under Man United’s Carrington training complex just half a mile away from Old Trafford.
Another aspect of the deal fascinating fans is how much control Ratcliffe will get over the football side of the business, where the team is currently struggling badly.
Reportedly a lifelong ManU fan, though he did try to buy Chelsea, Ratcliffe has said control of the team has to be a part of the deal.
Dave Brailsford, formerly British cycling’s performance director and Ineos’ Director of Sport, is expected to take a lead role.
In another twist last week, Toto Wolffe, Mercedes F1 boss, said he was interested in making an investment if Ratcliffe takes a stake
Ineos is one of Mercedes F1's partners, owning a third of the team.
The Glazer family put the club up for sale almost a year ago, with the competition eventually boiling down to a minority stake offer by Ineos or a full takeover by Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani.
Sheikh Jassim ended his interest last month with the club’s co-chairs Joel and Avram Glazer apparently reluctant to sell out entirely.
As well as Mercedes F1, Ineos's sporting interests include Nice in the French league and Lausanne in Switzerland.
Ineos Britannia is a sailing team led by Ben Ainslie that is targeting the America’s Cup.
Shares in New -York-listed ManU fell 1.7%.