Aaron Ramsey has outlined "exciting" Sir Jim Ratcliffe blueprint that could be repeated at Manchester United

Sir Jim Ratcliffe is one of the leading contenders to take over Manchester United - and Aaron Ramsey has outlined the vision of his project at Nice.

The British billionaire owns the Ligue 1 side through his petrochemicals company INEOS, which is also involved in the bid to buy United.

Among his key rivals to take over at Old Trafford is Qatar-based businessman Sheikh Jassim, who has launched an offer for the club through his Nine Two Foundation.

According to The Independent, INEOS are 'optimistic' that a deal can be done for them to become the new owners of United following increased contact with US merchant bank Raine Group, who are leading negotiations over a potential sale.

If Ratcliffe and Ineos are successful, their reported proposal would involve them taking majority control of the club from the Glazer family.

And former Arsenal star Ramsey, who was signed by Ratcliffe and INEOS last summer for Nice, has explained why he was enticed to join the club - and what the partnership could bring to United if a takeover is completed.

Ramsey explains Ratcliffe/INEOS blueprint

Speaking to French outlet L'Equipe last month, the Wales international revealed he canvassed a number of opinions before committing to the French club, but was convinced by what Ratcliffe and INEOS offered to him.

He explained: "I spoke to several players about the club, and I was seduced by the INEOS project. To me, everything was brilliant, from the vision of the club to the way they wanted to develop.

"I still wanted to play at a top level, to prove to myself that I could do it and this was the perfect place to show it. It was a great opportunity, and the project is very exciting.

"Obviously you want to be the best shape for the national team, but Nice is perfect for me.

"With the vision of INEOS, their experience in all sports, it's only a matter of time for Nice to fight to play in the Champions League. It's very exciting."

When he visited Old Trafford earlier this year, Ratcliffe was flanked by several members of his Ineos Sport team, including director of sport Dave Brailsford, chair Rob Nevin and CEO Jean-Claude Blanc.

According to Nice-Matin, Brailsford, who was formerly the performance director of British Cycling, has been involved with the football side at Nice, and has identified ex-Chelsea boss Graham Potter as the club's new manager this summer.

Blanc, meanwhile, was a marketing director at PSG, and served as chairman of the board at Juventus between 2009 and 2010. He has also previously managed the French Open tennis event, Tour de France and the Winter Olympics.

Ratcliffe could decide to involve some of his key INEOS staff members with United if he does take over, therefore providing a sound structure to build from.