Manchester United: Top 5 Players Linked to The Club Ahead of Ratcliffe’s Impending Arrival

• Sir Jim Ratcliffe is close to purchasing 25% of shares at Manchester United
• Sheikh Jassim's 100% offer, reportedly worth around $8billion, was turned down
• The richest man in Britain will reportedly take over sporting decisions from the Glazers

The year-long proposed takeover of Manchester United may be ending, but not in the way fans anticipated, as the Glazers are set to stay on as majority owners.

The American family were open to a total takeover or partial investment from the start. But, they seem to be settling for a 25% stake for £1.35 billion from Britain's richest man, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, despite receiving a total purchase offer from Sheikh Jassim.

Per Goal, Ratcliffe's stake in the club will see him take over sporting decisions, and plans are already underway for January recruitment, with big names already linked to the club.

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Sports Brief looks at the top 5 names already linked ahead of the INEOS chairman's arrival, as first analysed by Planet Football.

1. Victor Osimhen

The Nigerian striker was linked with a move away from Napoli throughout the summer but opted to stay. The rumours are not going away, and clubs could pounce on his recent TikTok video saga with the club. United are one of the interested teams, with an offer of over £100 million needed to sign him.

2. Evan Ferguson

Brighton have built a reputation of producing stars from the unknown and selling them off for huge fees. Irish striker, Evan Ferguson appears to be the next hot property. As reported by Team Talk, the Albions rejected £50mil in the summer and could demand as high as £120mil for the 18-year-old.

3. Marc Guehi

United are massively understaffed in defence after injuries to Lisandro Martinez, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Luke Shaw, and others. Harry Maguire's future continues to be in doubt, and the club have identified Chelsea academy graduate at Crystal Palace, Marc Guehi, as a potential January signing.

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4. Edmond Tapsoba

United spent the whole summer being linked to Bayer Leverkusen defender Tapsoba. The Burkina Faso international signed a new contract, raising his initial valuation of £40m. The Red Devils could try again for the athletic defender in January.

5. Lois Openda

The forward line is an area United are keen to recruit, and Belgian forward Openda is one of the names the club are keen on in the January transfer window. RB Leipzig signed him for €43mil last summer and will want a significant fee to sell anytime soon.

Ten Hag's update on Sancho's future

Sports Brief also reported on Erik ten Hag's update on Jadon Sancho's future ahead of United's 1-0 win over Burnley, claiming it depends on the English winger.

Sancho is having a beef with the manager after responding to his criticism with a public statement on social media. He was banished from the first team after refusing to apologise.