The acrimonious dispute between Alex Ferguson and John Magnier over record-breaking stallion Rock Of Gibraltar is nearing its conclusion. While the pair's legal teams are yet to fully conclude a deal, it is understood a formal announcement that would signal an end to the dispute is imminent.

Precise details of the agreement remain sketchy but it is believed the final settlement will fall somewhere between Magnier's initial offer of two nominations per year, worth an estimated £1.5 million and the £5 million deal that has been suggested in other quarters.

In an early bid to resolve the dispute Ferguson was offered four nominations a year and it is possible this might have been revived, although the final settlement will almost certainly be capitalised into a lump sum to avoid any further complications.

It is thought the wording of an official statement would allow both parties to come out of the battle with their reputations intact, although Ferguson has been forced to accept far less than the £50 million he originally believed he was entitled to.

Rumours had been rife the deal would be completed last night, although it now seems more likely to be early next week. But it comes a little over two weeks after Ferguson is believed to have called Magnier at his holiday villa in Barbados in an attempt to find a solution to a row which erupted over the details of a gentleman's agreement the pair had during the early stages of "The Rock's" racing career.

Ferguson believed he was entitled to half the stud fees for the horse, who became the first stallion to win seven successive Group One races, while Magnier thought he had offered only two nominations - one in the Northern Hemisphere, one in the South - for the duration of Rock Of Gibraltar's life as a sire.

What followed was a legal battle between the manager and the major shareholder of the world's richest club that threatened to bring Manchester United to its knees. With the United fans firmly backing their manager, Magnier was subjected to fierce abuse at almost every game and it took a public plea from Ferguson for supporters to call off a protest planned for Gold Cup day at Cheltenham on March 18th. Now peace has broken out, supporters and directors will be keen to establish what plans the Irishman and his business partner, JP McManus, have for the club.

Through their Cubic Expression company, Magnier and McManus have taken their stake in the Old Trafford outfit to 28.8 per cent, while at the same time demanding answers to the now notorious 99 corporate governance questions. Key members of the United board felt these issues, which mainly surround the club's policy on transfers, were raised mainly to turn the heat up on Ferguson even though sources in Ireland have continually rejected the theory.

There has also been speculation that once the case is settled, Magnier and McManus would look to sell their stake in the club to American billionaire Malcolm Glazer, whose own shareholding has increased to 16.31 per cent.

These rumours have also been dismissed by connections close to the Cubic Expression group, who have hinted that at some stage they will look for board representation themselves.

At least now chief executive David Gill will be able to conduct his business without the lingering backdrop of a damaging court case.

And, while no doubt reflective on the huge disparity in the cash he hoped to receive and what he has eventually ended up with, Ferguson can concentrate his energies on reviving United's on-pitch fortunes, starting with today's FA Cup sixth round clash with Fulham (Sky Sports 1, 12.30).