Sir Jim Ratcliffe's agreement to buy a 25 per cent share in Manchester United has been approved by the Premier League.
Ineos boss Ratcliffe is paying 1.03bn for the stake, though the deal is still subject to Football Association approval.
Owners the Glazer family will maintain their majority shareholding in United, with Ratcliffe's team taking charge of football operations.
"The Premier League now awaits confirmation of the transaction's completion," the league said in a statement, while confirming Ratcliffe, 71, has also signed the owners' charter.
All signs now are the deal will reach a positive conclusion.