ETH 'to be backed with transfer war chest after Ratcliffe seals £1.3bn deal

Erik Ten Hag will be reportedly be backed with a transfer war chest after Sir Jim Ratcliffe has sealed his £1.3billion deal for a 25 per cent stake in Manchester United.

An agreement is close for British billionaire Ratcliffe to assume control of the football operations side of the club, almost a year after the Glazers confirmed they were open to investment.

The Sun report the under-pressure Dutchman is poised to carry out 'a reset' of his squad in January - and is believed to be targeting a full-back and a winger.

It is also claimed that Ratcliffe has drawn up a plan to shift banished £73million winger Jadon Sancho, £85m flop Antony, and £36m striker Anthony Martial in January.

The Sun quotes a United source saying Ten Hag's eyes remain 'very firmly' fixed on securing a Champions League place.

The source said: 'January will be a big month for United. The deal involving Sir Jim should be done by then, and this will free up funds for Ten Hag to reset his squad.

'He's targeting a forward who can play on either flank and a right full-back.'

No documents have been signed yet in Ratcliffe's £1.3billion deal 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.

Despite the uncertainty, Ratcliffe is reportedly preparing a fire sale to rid the Red Devils of three of its underperforming stars.

The British billionaire, as part of his minority deal, would take control of football operations, and he is also thought to be set to pledge £245million to improve infrastructure.

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