Britain’s richest man, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, has expressed interest in buying a stake in Manchester United, with a view to taking full control of the club.

Ratcliffe is the owner of cycling team, Ineos Grenadiers; Ligue 1 club, Nice, which he took over in 2019; and FC Lausanne-Sport, a Swiss Super League club.

The billionaire is the CEO of Ineos Group Ltd.

A credible source disclosed that Jim Ratcliffe is serious about buying United, adding that former players would be involved in the deal, along with Sir Dave Brailsford.

The 69-year-old, who is a Manchester United supporter, tabled a last-minute £4.25 billion bid to buy Chelsea this summer but saw his offer rejected as American businessman Todd Boehly successfully took over the club.

Ratcliffe’s spokesperson, Brailsford, said: “If the club is for sale, Jim is definitely a potential buyer.

“If something like this was possible, we would be interested in talking with a view to long-term ownership.

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“This is not about the money that has been spent or not spent. Jim is looking at what can be done now and, knowing how important the club is to the city, it feels like the time is right for a reset,” Sky Sports quoted him as saying.

Man United have however declined to comment on the latest development.

Ratcliffe’s interest comes following a report the Glazer family are considering selling a minority stake in Manchester United.

It was gathered that preliminary discussions have been held about bringing in a new investor.

The Glazers have owned Manchester United since 2005.

United would welcome Liverpool to Old Trafford on Monday Night after a difficult start to the new Premier League season, losing to Brighton and Brentford.

The 13-time Premier League champions are currently bottom of the table after two games.

The Star