End in sight to Man Utd saga with agreement close on Sir Ratcliffe's £1.3bn deal

No documents have been signed yet in Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s £1.3billion deal for a 25 per cent stake in Manchester United but the end of a saga that started almost a year ago is in sight.

Those with knowledge of the situation say there is a chance the agreement could be announced this week, but next week is more likely.

The anniversary of a tiresome process, which began when the Glazers confirmed they were open to investment, is November 22.

Fresh from signing a lucrative new contract at Brighton, Evan Ferguson’s nifty feet could net him another windfall.

Agenda understands that the Irish striker is hot property in the boot world, with a number of companies trying to sign him up as their next poster boy.

Ferguson, 19, is currently with Adidas and the German giants are thought to be keen on tying him down to a new long-term deal.

Nike, who manufacture Brighton’s kits, are also in the hunt, along with Puma.

Ferguson penned a new Brighton deal last week, amid interest from other top-flight sides, that runs to 2029.

Maheta Molango, chief executive of the PFA, is due at St George’s Park this week to speak to England’s players about commercial negotiations. He is expected to provide legal advice to Gareth Southgate’s men on issues such as sponsorship deals and endorsements linked to the national team.

Molango, a qualified lawyer, recently saw his wage hiked to £650,000 a year, causing some considerable raising of eyebrows at the union. Some have wondered if the 41-year-old may be better served dealing with the issues facing those in the lower leagues, like not being paid on time, rather than assisting the elite.

A PFA spokesperson said Molango has overseen the growth of legal and player service departments which ‘provide enhanced and