Sir Jim Ratcliffe is 'targeting former Liverpool chief Michael Edwards to oversee transfers' at Man United once his 25 per cent takeover is completed

Potential Manchester United stakeholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe is targeting a former Liverpool chief, according to reports. 

Ratcliffe's purchase of a 25 per cent stake in the Old Trafford club is believed to be impending, with the British billionaire waiting to formalise a £1.3billion deal with the Glazer family for his stake.

There is a great deal of optimism around the club amid the potential takeover deal, with the Glazers growing increasingly unpopular at the Red Devils, seemingly with every passing week. 

Indeed many are hoping that a takeover could see the club's fortunes transformed, with Ratcliffe thought to be set to steer the football operations once his stake has been purchased. 

Yet United supporters might be forgiven for their surprise, given that he has been linked with a move for former Reds chief Michael Edwards, according to the Independent.

It is yet unclear how the final structure will look in the transfer department at United, but they are thought to be keen to put in place a sporting director, with Edwards reportedly a candidate for that role. 

Ratcliffe and his team are however expected to take time in implementing changes, keen to see how the club runs before making any sweeping alterations. 

As well as Edwards, the likes of Crystal Palace chief Dougie Freedman and Paul Mitchell are other names linked with INEOS.

Edwards is however retired, having left his post at Liverpool in 2022 and stepping away from football. 

He had been at Anfield for 11 years since leaving Premier League rivals Tottenham in 2011, so has a wealth of top-flight experience. 

It is understood that whoever might come into the role under Ratcliffe will not have to run any key decisions past the Glazer family, as has been the case for a number of years. 

The decision to appoint a new director would run through a new channel at Old Trafford, feeding up to Jean-Claude Blanc, with input from INEOS supremo Sir Dave Brailsford. 

The Independent also reports that INEOS were very quickly aware that the Glazers were unlikely to sell outright, and have been in talks over a minority share from as early as May this year. 

Despite this, Ratcliffe's group are thought to have been insistent on a potential path to majority ownership through equity further down the line. 

It has been a long and turgid process since the first indication that the Glazers might be open to selling, and talks are continuing slowly as the final legal terms over any separation of duties at the club are being debated.