Sir Jim Ratcliffe has already hit a potential hurdle in any takeover of Manchester United with the Glazer family disagreeing with his plan for the Old Trafford club.
Representatives of Britain's richest man have confirmed that the INEOS CEO would be interested in purchasing the Red Devils at some point in the future should the club's current owners decide to cash in. As confirmed by The Times, it was suggested that the 69-year-old could look to buy a minority stake in the club before buying out the much-maligned Glazers some time down the line.
A statement read: "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.
"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."
However, that plan could have its problems. According to numerous reports, the Glazers are keen on retaining a controlling stake at Old Trafford, which would close the door on Ratcliffe's intentions of completing a full purchase of the club.
Whether that stance changes or not remains to be seen but any further investment would be a considerable move from the Glazers having owned Man United since 2005.
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In the time since, the Red Devils have won five Premier League titles, the Champions League, Europa League and much more but the American investors have earned plenty of criticism.
The club's horrific transfer policy has been a constant topic of debate, whilst the dilapidated state of Old Trafford is a source of frustration. In the meantime, protests have regularly been staged against the Glazers - particularly after the club signalled their intentions to join the European Super League.
Supporter frustrations have boiled over recently with the Red Devils enduring a terrible start to the 2022/23 season under new boss Erik ten Hag.
After making just three signings so far this summer, United lost their opening game to Brighton before following that up with a thumping defeat at the hands of Brentford - leaving the club with a huge battle on their hands to return to the Champions League next season.
In the meantime, Ratcliffe's interest is not the first time he has made a move to purchase a club in the Premier League. He tabled a last-minute bid to purchase Chelsea from Roman Abramovich earlier this year but was beaten to the punch by American billionaire Todd Boehly. Ratcliffe also owns a majority stake in Ligue 1 outfit OGC Nice.
