Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has seen his attempt to sell French club Nice collapse after an American consortium failed to meet financial guarantees.
The INEOS chairman had set a strict deadline of 15 June to offload the Ligue 1 outfit.
However, the prospective buyers were ultimately unable to provide the necessary assurances regarding sporting and financial stability.
The investor group had progressed as far as touring the training ground before the negotiations abruptly ended.
A turbulent spell on the French Riviera
Ratcliffe originally purchased the coastal side in 2019 but has noticeably stepped back since acquiring a minority stake at Old Trafford in late 2023.
The petrochemicals billionaire previously expressed severe dissatisfaction with the team’s performances.
I don’t particularly enjoy going to watch Nice because there are some good players, but the level of football is not high enough for me to get excited.
He had significantly reduced his asking price to push a deal over the line.
It now appears highly likely the club will remain under INEOS control heading into the 2026-27 campaign.
Managerial search and United transfers
On the pitch, the French side narrowly avoided relegation from the top flight on the final day of a disastrous season.
Former Leicester City manager Claude Puel took interim charge but is not expected to be offered the permanent role.
Approaches were made for Liam Rosenior following his brief stint at Chelsea, but the former Strasbourg boss intends to take a break from football.
Meanwhile, transfer preparations in Manchester are progressing positively under manager Michael Carrick.
The Premier League giants have reached an agreement to bring Atalanta midfielder Ederson to England following the World Cup.
Attention has now shifted to securing West Ham star Mateus Fernandes, with Arsenal dropping out of the race over an £80m valuation.
Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky has agreed a deal to purchase the Gold family’s shares and become the majority shareholder of West Ham United with an approximate 43% stake.
The major boardroom restructuring follows the sudden resignation of former joint-chair David Sullivan last week.
Sullivan stepped down from his roles as a director of WH Holding Limited and the club after being made aware of impending publications detailing serious historic allegations.
Focus shifts to stability and promotion
A joint statement issued by Vanessa Gold and Kretinsky outlined the immediate next steps for the East London club.
The 1890 Holdings group confirmed their primary objective is to stabilise the Hammers and provide vital additional financing.
They also reaffirmed their commitment to manager Nuno Espirito Santo as the team targets an immediate return to the Premier League.
Board reacts to historic allegations
The forthcoming share purchase transaction is expected to be finalised within the next couple of weeks.
Both parties have agreed to vote jointly on key matters to support the broader strategic vision for the football club.
Addressing the recent controversies surrounding Sullivan, the statement expressed deep concern over the revelations published by The Times and Panorama.
“Our thoughts go out to those women who have fought so hard to make their voices heard.” Vanessa Gold and Daniel Kretinsky
“Any abuse of power is abhorrent, and it takes great courage and determination to speak up against it.”
Safeguarding measures and future steps
The wider board revealed they were not notified about the allegations against the former joint-chair until approximately a month ago.
Full details of the claims, which Sullivan strenuously denies, only became apparent to shareholders when they were made public on Monday.
As the new largest shareholder, the broader EP group intends to engage directly with fans and business partners to build a stronger future.
Former France striker Olivier Giroud believes his ex-team-mate Christian Pulisic has the mental strength and quality to take the United States to the next level at this summer’s World Cup.
The 37-year-old recently retired from international football following the 2024 European Championships.
He is now covering the current global tournament as a pundit for BBC Sport.
Despite watching from the television studio, the World Cup winner remains a passionate supporter of the French national side.
The burden of Captain America
Giroud played alongside Pulisic at both Chelsea and AC Milan.
The veteran forward witnessed first-hand the immense pressure placed on the young American’s shoulders.
“At Milan we used to call him by his nickname, ‘Captain America’ because even when he wasn’t wearing the USA armband he was their star player.”
The highly-rated playmaker originally arrived in London from Borussia Dortmund in 2019 as a teenager.
Overcoming club struggles
The American forward recently endured a mixed domestic campaign in Italy.
After a bright start in Serie A, Milan suffered a collapse in form and ultimately failed to qualify for the Champions League.
During that difficult spell, the former Arsenal striker noted that Pulisic went several months without finding the back of the net.
However, Giroud insists that national team expectations demand the lightning-fast winger consistently delivers on the international stage.
Mental resilience on the big stage
The United States talisman impressed during his nation’s recent clash with Paraguay.
A calf injury forced him off at half-time, though hopes remain high that the issue is minor.
“Mental strength is massive for every player and I think he has been through some tough moments, with injuries or when he or the team has not been doing well.”
The French icon believes navigating those difficult periods has forged a resilient leader capable of carrying American hopes.
White House task force executive director Andrew Giuliani has defended the decision to bar Somali referee Omar Artan from entering the United States for the 2026 World Cup.
Artan, named Africa’s best referee last year, was denied entry earlier this week despite holding a valid single-entry visa and Fifa documentation.
The 34-year-old was interviewed by border officials for 11 hours before being placed on a flight to Istanbul.
Security concerns cited
A US official previously informed ESPN that the African match official was turned away due to alleged associations with suspected members of terror organisations.
Giuliani has now publicly backed US Customs and Border Protection, describing the returning official as a “bad actor”.
He was talking to some bad people, very recently, about actions here in the United States.
Andrew Giuliani
Speaking to talkSPORT, the task force chief insisted it was the correct decision to send him home.
What I can tell you from my standpoint, and having seen the information on what he was doing, was that I stand by CBP’s decision.
Andrew Giuliani
Uefa offers support
Following the rejection, Canadian politicians reportedly sent alternative tournament invitations to the official.
However, Fifa referees’ chief Pierluigi Collina requires all match officials to attend a mandatory training hub in Miami, effectively ending the Somali national’s hopes of participating.
In response to the ban, European football’s governing body has appointed him to officiate the 2026 Uefa Super Cup.
He will take charge of the match between Paris St-Germain and Aston Villa on 12 August.
Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin praised the highly-rated official’s outstanding skills and continental experience.
Football is made to connect people, and Uefa wants to show its respect to Omar and his outstanding officiating skills, which had earned him such a prestigious nomination.
Aleksander Ceferin
Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay rejoined squad training in Boston on Friday after a stomach illness temporarily forced him to isolate ahead of their World Cup opener against Haiti.
The Napoli midfielder missed Thursday’s preparation sessions, sparking national concern over his availability for the tournament.
To prevent a potential viral spread, the 29-year-old was monitored closely by a team doctor and travelled separately to the team hotel.
However, manager Steve Clarke confirmed that the influential playmaker is now fully recovered and ready for selection.
Clarke plays down reliance on star man
The national team boss was quick to ease the panic surrounding his key goalscorer, insisting the entire squad is fully prepared.
“I’ve got 26 superstars here. To try to put so much on to one person is not fair,” said Clarke.
“We’ve built everything we’ve done over the last seven years on the squad, the team, everyone being together and playing their part at certain times.”
Clarke added that while the coaching staff are delighted with what the former Manchester United man brings, they will need major contributions from the rest of the pitch to ensure a positive campaign.
Historic return to the global stage
The Tartan Army are preparing for their first appearance at the global showpiece since 1998.
They secured their place at the tournament following a dramatic qualification campaign, highlighted by a spectacular overhead kick from their talisman in a 4-2 victory over Denmark.
He remains one of his country’s standout performers, having recorded 15 goals and three assists across 70 international caps.
McKenna sidelined for Haiti clash
While the midfield crisis has been averted, Scotland will definitely be without defender Scott McKenna for their opening fixture.
The Dinamo Zagreb centre-back is currently nursing a calf problem and will miss the first group stage encounter.
He is expected to resume light training on Monday as his rehabilitation continues.
Scotland face Haiti at the Boston Stadium in the early hours of the morning UK time as they look to secure vital early points.
Real Madrid midfielder Arda Guler has emerged as Turkey’s primary hope for the upcoming World Cup following a spectacular rise from the Fenerbahce academy to the pinnacle of European football.
The hugely talented playmaker now carries the weight of a nation on his shoulders as he continues his rapid ascent on the global stage.
From living room balloons to Istanbul
Behind the prodigy’s early development was a father determined to cultivate a left-footed footballer.
As soon as he could walk, the youngster was strategically kicking balloons with his stronger foot in the family living room.
A childhood obsession with Fenerbahce eventually led to a mesmerising first visit to the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium.
His dedicated mother drove five hours from their Ankara home, sleeping in the car overnight to secure tickets at the front of the queue.
Academy isolation and undeniable talent
Moving to Istanbul alone at just 13 years old proved to be a defining, yet challenging, moment in the teenager’s career.
His meteoric rise to the youth team’s number 10 shirt and captaincy created social friction with jealous teammates.
Despite the isolation, his technical abilities left youth coach Erol Tokgozler in absolute awe.
The ball was like another limb, a third foot. He could do anything that he set his mind on.
And the best of all is that in each situation he had two, three, four or five alternatives, five different plans. The location of the field didn’t matter. He plays football with his mind.
Embracing senior pressure
That extraordinary confidence translated perfectly to the senior stage when he debuted in a friendly aged only 15.
The precocious talent immediately stunned fans by asking experienced Brazilian Jose Sosa to take a set-piece.
National teammate Ferdi Kadioglu believes this ability to absorb pressure is what makes the youngster so unique.
He shows amazing things when he’s on the pitch with us, and for sure he will feel the pressure but that makes him also the player he is.
Stepping onto the global stage
This fearless mentality was on full display during Euro 2024 when facing relentless abuse from Austrian supporters.
After providing a crucial assist, the Turkish international defiantly cupped his ear to the opposition crowd.
Having inherited the iconic number 10 shirt from his idol Mesut Ozil at Fenerbahce, the attacking midfielder soon attracted European royalty.
A senior international debut at 17 ultimately paved the way for his dream transfer to Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid.
Bayern Munich are reportedly preparing a £34.5m bid for Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford after Liverpool blocked an approach for youngster Rio Ngumoha.
The 28-year-old’s club future remains uncertain following a fruitful loan spell at Barcelona.
The Catalan side are understood to be unwilling to pay the £26m fee required to make that move permanent.
A final verdict is expected once his current international duty at the World Cup concludes.
Liverpool stance forces German pivot
Bayern had initially expressed strong interest in acquiring Liverpool prospect Ngumoha.
However, Anfield officials view the 17-year-old as an elite talent and have refused to entertain any potential departure.
This resolute stance has forced the Bundesliga giants to explore alternative attacking options.
Financial hurdles and Kane connection
Reports suggest the German outfit are perfectly willing to meet the £34.5m valuation set by United for their academy graduate.
The primary obstacle remains the forward’s substantial wages, which are currently estimated at £325,000 per week.
Despite this financial hurdle, the England international was reportedly prepared to accept a pay cut to secure a permanent switch to Spain.
A move to Bavaria would instead see the winger link up with international team-mate Harry Kane.
Uncertainty continues at Old Trafford
The former Tottenham striker has enjoyed a highly prolific spell in Germany, potentially providing the ideal environment to help his compatriot settle.
The English forward previously enjoyed a highly productive period under Hansi Flick in Spain, contributing 14 goals and 14 assists across 49 appearances.
That temporary stint yielded both the La Liga title and the Spanish Super Cup.
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick recently indicated that the player’s long-term destination has not yet been finalised.
“There are decisions to be made in time on certain things.”
Tottenham Hotspur have agreed terms on a new four-year contract with Pedro Porro to extend the defender’s stay until 2030.
The agreement ends recent speculation linking the Spanish international with a £60m return to reigning Premier League champions Manchester City.
Manager Roberto De Zerbi reportedly views the right-back as an untouchable asset in his ongoing tactical rebuild in north London.
The 26-year-old initially arrived from Sporting CP in 2023 in a deal worth £39m and has since become a vital attacking outlet through his crossing and set-piece expertise.
Defensive overhaul continues
Securing the former Sporting star represents a significant boost for the Lilywhites as they systematically restructure their backline this summer.
The club have already confirmed the arrivals of Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson to bolster their defensive options.
Further reinforcements could follow shortly, with talks reportedly under way to sign Brighton centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke.
Conversely, existing central defenders Cristian Romero and Radu Dragusin are expected to depart the club in the coming weeks to balance the squad.
Future contract priorities
With their premier right-back secured, Tottenham’s recruitment team can now evaluate other pending contractual situations within the squad.
Forward Richarlison, alongside Ben Davies and Dane Scarlett, have entered the final 12 months of their respective deals and appear unlikely to be offered extensions.
Looking further ahead, key personnel including James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski and goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario will see their current terms expire in 2028.
However, the immediate focus is expected to remain on finalising outgoing transfers and acquiring new targets ahead of the upcoming campaign.