Manchester United have acquired the majority of the land needed to build a new £2billion stadium to replace Old Trafford, the club have announced.

A 25-acre triangle of land 350 metres away from the current ground, located between Wharfside Way, Europa Way and John Gilbert Way, has been purchased.

United are continuing to work on acquiring the rest of the land needed, but insiders say they do not expect any issues.

They have been in negotiations with Freightliner for some time over acquiring the land currently used as a freight terminal behind Old Trafford, but have now abandoned that plan after failing to reach a compromise. At one stage, the two sides were £360million apart in their valuations.

Sources say that the club have worked in a disciplined and strategic way that has enabled them to get the new deal done efficiently and at market value.

They believe it will work best for the new stadium and the wider regeneration of the Old Trafford area.

United will now move on to the design phase with supporters and hope to submit a planning application in the near future for a 100,000-seater ‘Wembley of the North’.

Collette Roche, CEO of United’s new stadium development, said: ‘Today’s news highlights the progress we’re making towards a world-class new home for Manchester United and represents a significant milestone as we move into the next phase of development.

‘Being able to build so close to Old Trafford allows us to preserve the heritage, traditions and rituals that are so important to our fans.

‘We are committed to building a world-class stadium with our supporters, not just for them, with atmosphere, affordability and accessibility at the heart of our thinking.

‘This is a generational opportunity that is fully aligned with both local and national growth ambitions.

‘Securing the right land for our new home has been absolutely critical, and the land we’ve acquired gives us the stage to deliver a truly world-class stadium that honours our past and is ready for our future.’