EXCL: Sir Jim to be very hands-on at Man Utd, new Chelsea stadium, and could we see Mbappe and Osimhen on the move in January?

This week's deep dive into the biggest stories in football.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe to be very hands-on with Manchester United, but is Erik ten Hag’s job safe?

Sir Jim Ratcliffe could find out on Thursday whether his offer for a 25% stake in Manchester United with an eventual path to control has been accepted.

A board meeting on Thursday could see a vote take place on the proposal. Sources indicate an agreement in principle has been reached on valuation and share size but there are still some active negotiations, including exactly how sporting control would work. Ratcliffe is intent on getting this instantly and in time to influence the January transfer window.

The board has 12 members, six of which are the Glazers, and only a majority is needed to proceed with Ratcliffe’s offer. It could still take 6-8 weeks if no delays to complete the process if Ratcliffe is successful. As previously reported, Ratcliffe wants to undertake a review of the club at all levels. Erik ten Hag’s job is believed to be safe, but some senior executives could be at risk as part of a restructure.

Has Sir Jim Ratcliffe Won the Race for Manchester United Ownership?

Sir Dave Brailsford, INEOS’ Director of Sport of Sport, will play a key role and ex-PSG executive Jean Claude Blanc is also thought to be important. He is INEOS’ CEO of Sport and would likely have day-to-day influence at Manchester United on behalf of the group.

Ratcliffe himself will be extremely hands on as well. He sees Manchester United as his ‘legacy’. Those suggesting he’s somehow being ‘ripped off’ or committing to a deal that only benefits the Glazers fail to understand what an expert negotiator he is.