Reliable sources has revealed that Man United ownership story might end before Christmas.

It is anticipated that Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s contract will result in substantial financial improvements for the team’s practice facility and Old Trafford stadium.

The protracted ownership dispute at Manchester United might be settled before Christmas Day.

Before December 25th, Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants to finalise a deal that would allow his Ineos Group to purchase 25% of the team for about £1.25 billion.

Accordng to BBC Sport, there has been new energy surriounding talks this week.

It is more than a year since the Glazer family announced they were considering selling the club.

However, despite several false dawns, the long-mooted deal for Ratcliffe’s Ineos to become minority shareholders has still not been confirmed.

It is expected advise,rs on all sides will work late on Friday, or into the weekend, if necessary providing a positive outcome is still possible before the Christmas break.

Once a deal is agreed it will be followed by a six-to-eight week period for the purchase to be signed off by the Premier League.

Many at Old Trafford feel the continuing delay is having a negative effect on the club, with most still unsure of Ratcliffe’s plans for the football side, nor who is likely to be working for him at Old Trafford, other than trusted Ineos director of sport Sir Dave Brailsford.

Ineos and Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani both initially tabled bids of around £5bn for the 20-time English champions.

However, neither bidder was willing to reach the Glazer family’s valuation, with co-chairs Joel and Avram Glazer both known to be reluctant sellers.

Sheikh Jassim withdrew from the process in October, claiming his final bid, thought to be double United’s $3.2bn (£2.64bn) stock market valuation, had not met the Glazers’ demands.

Ratcliffe had already amended his initial plan to buy the Glazers’ 69% shareholding and reduced it to a ‘majority’ stake.

But it was only when he reduced it again, to an anticipated 25%, that the potential for an agreement increased.

Latest Manchester United news, analysis and fan viewsGet Man Utd news notificationsListen to the latest The Devils’ Advocate podcast

Our coverage of Manchester United is bigger and better than ever before – here’s everything you need to know to make sure you never miss a momentEverything United – go straight to all the best content