Sir Jim Ratcliffe reportedly ready to sell Nice amid focus on Man United

Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reportedly ready to sell his stake in OGC Nice as his focus shifts entirely to Manchester United.

The INEOS owner, who acquired the French club six years ago, now appears prepared to offload it, amid growing interest from Saudi Arabia.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who recently became a co-owner at Old Trafford, expanded his football portfolio in 2019 when he purchased Nice for £89million.

However, with his priorities now centered on United, the British billionaire seems ready to move on from the French side, who are currently sitting fifth in Ligue 1.

Despite being competitive in France, Nice have yet to claim any major silverware, leading Ratcliffe to consider a sale, according to French outlet L’Informe.

The Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), which owns Newcastle United, are reportedly aware of Ratcliffe’s intentions and are considering making an offer for the club.

Ratcliffe’s tenure at Nice has been met with mixed reactions, and he has previously admitted that while the team boasts talented players, he has not been fond of the level of football on display.

He said: “I don’t particularly like going to see Nice because there are good players, but the level of football isn’t high enough for me to get excited.

“Nice’s best season was the one we weren’t allowed to get involved in due to timeshare rules.

“They were so much better without our interference! Maybe there’s a lesson to be learned from that.”

In 2023, Ratcliffe acquired a 27.7% stake in Manchester United for £1.3billion.

Ratcliffe’s tenure at Nice has been met with mixed reactions

While he has taken control of the club’s football operations, several of his decisions have been widely criticised, and he has so far struggled to steer the club in the right direction.

Since taking charge at Old Trafford, Ratcliffe has made several controversial decisions.

He ended Sir Alex Ferguson’s paid ambassadorial role and increased ticket prices, scrapping concession and child rates – moves that have sparked fan protests.

Several of his key appointments, including that of Dan Ashworth, have also failed to deliver the expected results.