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Manchester United are optimistic that a deal for land around Old Trafford – that would pave the way for their new stadium – will be struck.
The Premier League giant’s plans for a state-of-the-art 100,000 venue have been complicated by an ongoing issue with Freightliner, who own a crucial parcel of neighbouring land behind the Stretford End.
Daily Mail Sport understands United have offered around £50m, with the company seeking what they feel is an unrealistic £400m.
The club believe that a compulsory purchase order could ultimately be made, with the government intervening to set a fair price.
However, it can be revealed that United officials have now carried out what have been described as ‘constructive’ discussions with Freightliner and are optimistic about striking a deal ‘within the coming months’.
Should that deal be forthcoming it would mean United could press ahead with plans drawn up by Lord Norman Foster for a futuristic complex which featured a giant canopy to protect visitors from Manchester’s notorious climate.
Man United's plan for a new 100,000 seater stadium, pictured in a mock-up here, have been given a boost, with the club confident of striking a land deal
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Co are pushing forward with the massive project but still need to fund it
However, they would still face the issue of having to find funding for a huge project which may cost north of £2bn.
The Freightliner land has been earmarked as part of the stadium footprint, which includes 17,000 homes.
United had been looking at alternatives should a deal for the land fail to be reached - but are not thought to have drawn up alternative designs.
Freightliner, perhaps in the knowledge of United’s level of need, have been holding out for a windfall.
In August, Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham, a key advocate of the plans which include a huge regeneration play, said his office would be able to use compulsory purchase powers ‘if needed’, via a Mayoral Development Corporation.
Such a scenario could be time consuming, with a United in a hurry, and an agreed deal may well be in the interest of all parties.
United are seeking government funding for the wider infrastructure but would find the funding for the stadium themselves.
United want to strike a deal rather than deal with a compulsory purchase order and delays
The club hope to be in the new venue, dubbed a ‘Wembley of the North’, in time for the 2030-31 season.
Fans are currently being asked for their feedback on a variety of areas including facilities and cost.
In July, Daily Mail Sport revealed that United were considering introducing ‘Personal Seat Licences’, which would see fans charged up to £4,000 for the right to buy a season ticket at the new venue.
