A consortium led by former Newcastle United co-owner Amanda Staveley has entered talks to purchase a 25% stake in Championship club West Ham.
The investment group, which includes her husband Mehrdad Ghodoussi, has expressed a firm interest in acquiring the shares currently held by Vanessa Gold.
Discussions have progressed rapidly in recent weeks, with the prospective buyers having already secured the necessary global financial backing to facilitate an agreement.
Initial enquiries were made towards the tail end of last season, shortly before the East London side suffered a disappointing relegation from the top flight.
Potential for future majority takeover
While the immediate proposal concerns a quarter of the football club, the consortium remains entirely open to buying further shares to eventually become majority stakeholders.
Current control of the Hammers is primarily divided between major investors David Sullivan and Daniel Kretinsky.
This renewed interest in capital investment follows the departure of the British businesswoman and Ghodoussi from St James’ Park in July 2024.
The same investment vehicle had previously explored the possibility of purchasing a minority stake in Tottenham Hotspur during the previous campaign.
Sullivan steps back amid investigation
Any change in the boardroom arrives during a turbulent period for the recently relegated outfit, following Sullivan’s decision to step down as joint chairman in June.
His resignation was prompted by a joint investigation by BBC Panorama and the Times newspaper detailing allegations of sexually exploitative and predatory behaviour towards young women.
Seven women came forward to accuse the billionaire of abusing his power during business meetings to pressure them for sex, with the claims spanning decades from the 1980s onwards.
The 77-year-old, who built a substantial fortune through pornography, newspapers and football, has strongly refuted the historic accusations.
I categorically deny the claims.
In response to the severity of the situation, the Independent Football Regulator contacted the club seeking urgent information regarding his ongoing suitability for a leadership role.
England defender John Stones has joined Italian champions Inter Milan on a free transfer, signing a two-year contract following his departure from Manchester City.
The 32-year-old left the Etihad Stadium when his previous deal expired at the end of June, concluding a highly successful decade with the Premier League club.
“I have lived all my dreams out,” the centre-back stated after amassing a staggering collection of major honours in England.
A glittering decade in Manchester
During his trophy-laden spell, the versatile defender helped his former employers secure six top-flight titles alongside a maiden Champions League crown.
His domestic dominance also included two FA Cups, five League Cups and three Community Shields, supplemented globally by Club World Cup and Uefa Super Cup triumphs.
The former Barnsley prospect made 295 appearances and scored 19 goals for the Citizens after arriving from Everton for £47.5m in 2016.
Fending off European competition
Since becoming a free agent this summer, the seasoned international attracted widespread interest from heavyweights across the continent.
Both Chelsea and Juventus were reportedly monitoring his situation before he opted to link up with the reigning Italian champions.
The Nerazzurri claimed their 21st domestic crown last season and will begin their Serie A title defence against newly promoted Monza on Saturday, 22 August.
International pedigree
At international level, the defensive stalwart has accumulated 93 caps for his country.
He was a crucial part of the national squad that finished third at this summer’s World Cup tournament.
That impressive international run included a starting role in the quarter-final victory against Norway before suffering a narrow 2-1 semi-final defeat by Argentina.
Liverpool have opened formal talks with Paris St-Germain over the potential summer transfer of winger Bradley Barcola.
Initial discussions with the player’s representatives have prompted the Merseyside club to make an official approach.
The Anfield hierarchy are actively seeking a dynamic wide player to reinforce their attacking options ahead of the new campaign.
Following the departure of Mohamed Salah, the club hopes to make the French forward their third summer signing.
Recent arrivals Victor Munoz and Jeremy Jacquet have already strengthened the squad, but further incoming and outgoing movement is expected.
A history of Parisian arrivals
Should the highly-rated prospect move to Anfield, he will follow a well-trodden path between the French capital and Merseyside.
David Ngog famously signed his first professional contract with the Parisian club in 2006 before arriving in England two years later.
The fresh-faced teenager was brought in by Rafael Benitez and eventually made 94 appearances for the Premier League side.
Despite a promising start that yielded 19 goals, the French youth international struggled to reach his full potential and departed for Bolton Wanderers in 2011.
From Anelka to Sakho
Nicolas Anelka is another prominent forward to have crossed the channel on loan during the 2001 January transfer window.
The prolific striker, who ultimately scored 223 career goals, netted five times in 22 appearances to help secure a second-placed league finish.
Manager Gerard Houllier controversially opted against offering the European Championship winner a permanent contract, leading to his eventual departure to Manchester City.
More recently, Mamadou Sakho traded the Parc des Princes for Anfield in an £18m deal in 2013.
The commanding centre-back had already amassed over 200 appearances and won a domestic league title before making his high-profile switch to England.
Liverpool have made direct contact with Club Tijuana regarding a move for 17-year-old Mexican midfielder Gilberto Mora ahead of a potential transfer.
The Anfield club are attempting to steal a march on domestic rivals Arsenal by formalising their interest in the highly-rated teenager.
Any official transfer would have to wait until October when the youngster turns 18, in accordance with international Fifa regulations.
European heavyweights circle
Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid are also reportedly monitoring the situation closely following his impressive recent performances.
The versatile attacker caught the eye of top European scouts after starring for his national side on the international stage this summer.
Reports suggest a buyout clause in the region of £18.7m exists, though a final fee has yet to be officially determined.
‘A rough diamond with no ceiling’
Current Mexico manager Javier Aguirre has previously singled out the prospect for extensive praise, highlighting his maturity and tactical awareness.
“He’s the kind of Mexican player who knows what to do before the ball arrives, who always knows where to position himself to make himself available to his teammates.” Javier Aguirre
“This kid has no ceiling and is a rough diamond that we all have to help polish.”
Securing such an elite youth talent would represent a significant coup for the Premier League side as they plan for the future.
Football’s global governing body FIFA has announced contentious plans to sell a 21 per cent stake in its commercial operations to raise $4.2bn, prompting an immediate backlash from UEFA and other major confederations.
The proposal would see external investors take a slice of a newly created subsidiary named FIFA Forward Enterprise, which consolidates lucrative global events including the World Cup.
Following valuation forecasts by global bank JP Morgan Chase, the new commercial entity is estimated to be worth $20bn.
This unprecedented move represents a radical shift in how the sport’s biggest international tournaments are monetised.
Widespread backlash from governing bodies
The announcement was reportedly made without prior consultation, spreading shock and outrage across the sporting world.
By Wednesday evening, three of the six continental confederations had openly criticised the overarching commercial strategy.
European football’s governing body UEFA has been particularly vocal in its opposition to the proposed equity sale.
Despite the mounting criticism, the Zurich-based organisation insists it will retain absolute control over sporting decisions and structural governance.
Financial incentives for member associations
To secure the necessary approval from its 211 member associations and the 37-person Council, president Gianni Infantino is relying on substantial financial pledges.
The global federation has promised a massive $10bn in development funding for the upcoming 2027-2030 cycle.
This commitment represents a staggering increase from the $3.86bn previously budgeted for the ongoing 2023-2026 period.
Under the proposed restructuring, football development in every region of the world would theoretically benefit from the immediate influx of external capital.
The leadership has even reportedly offered a £30m incentive for member associations who back the deeply divisive initiative.
Premier League clubs have unanimously approved a new long-term funding proposal to be presented to the English Football League, marking a major breakthrough in stalled financial discussions.
The top-flight division announced on Thursday that the comprehensive plan is slated to commence ahead of the 2026-27 season.
This crucial development revives the so-called ‘New Deal’ negotiations after talks over financial redistribution completely halted earlier this year.
A decade-long financial commitment
While specific details remain officially unconfirmed, previous reports indicate the structure encompasses a 10-year period featuring an increased transfer levy.
Contributions from the 20 member clubs are also expected to be calculated proportionately based on their individual commercial and broadcasting earnings.
The breakthrough follows a high-level summit held on Tuesday between senior executives from both football bodies and the Independent Football Regulator.
Moving towards a strategic partnership
An official statement confirmed that teams voted to endorse the funded structure to create a collaborative relationship with the lower divisions.
“The long-term proposal, which would start in season 2026/27, will now be formally offered to the EFL for discussion with its clubs.”
The world’s richest domestic league already maintains existing commitments to invest a record £1.6bn into the wider game and local communities every three years.
“The Premier League remains committed to finding a football-led solution and looks forward to continuing discussions with the EFL on progressing this proposal.”
The ticking clock of regulation
Regulatory chair David Kogan had previously warned administrators that time was rapidly running out to reach an amicable financial settlement.
The independent watchdog possesses statutory backstop powers to legally impose a redistribution solution if the respective leagues fail to agree on terms.
Speaking earlier this year, Kogan emphasised that unchecked financial disparity between the tiers could spell a death sentence for vulnerable professional teams.
Representatives for the 72 clubs outside the top division confirmed they are now awaiting the formal presentation of the financial offer.
“The EFL Board will then review the full detail of the proposal, including its potential benefits, implications and alignment with the long-term interests of our 72 clubs.”
Mauricio Pochettino is set to sign a four-year contract extension to remain as manager of the United States men’s national team following their World Cup exit.
The 54-year-old will commit his future to the Stars and Stripes through to the 2028 Copa America and the 2030 World Cup.
This development comes less than a month after the tournament hosts were eliminated in a bruising 4-1 Round of 16 defeat by Belgium.
World Cup highs and lows
The former Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea boss guided the host nation to three tournament victories, setting a new national record.
His side secured back-to-back wins to open a campaign for the first time since 1930 and defeated Bosnia-Herzegovina in the newly expanded Round of 32.
However, early optimism faded rapidly following a group-stage stumble against Turkiye and the subsequent humbling knockout loss to the Belgians.
The fallout from the elimination saw captain Christian Pulisic heavily criticised by disappointed fans and media alike.
The campaign was further complicated by political intervention after Donald Trump lobbied to overturn a red card issued to striker Folarin Balogun.
Building for the future
Despite the disappointing conclusion to their home tournament, the Argentine tactician is widely viewed as having done a commendable job stateside.
The national federation reportedly offered the former Paris St-Germain manager a new deal before the World Cup even began.
This early offer demonstrated significant faith, particularly after the team missed out on the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup and struggled in the Nations League.
Telemundo broadcaster Andres Cantor provided an update on the contract negotiations earlier this week.
Talks are going well and the intention is to be able to announce it soon.
Andres Cantor
An official announcement is expected before the upcoming international friendly fixtures scheduled for September and October.
Liverpool have joined a host of top European clubs in the race to sign Bournemouth winger Rayan as they search for a long-term successor to Mohamed Salah.
The 19-year-old Brazilian has attracted interest from Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Paris St-Germain and Real Madrid following an outstanding breakthrough campaign on the south coast.
Discussions regarding a £60m move to Merseyside are reportedly under way, though Bournemouth’s owners could hold out for a fee closer to £85m.
Reuniting with Iraola
A switch to Anfield would reunite the highly-rated teenager with newly appointed Reds manager Andoni Iraola.
The Basque coach recently took charge of Liverpool ahead of the 2026-27 season, replacing Arne Slot following a disappointing league campaign.
During their time together at the Vitality Stadium, the former Cherries boss heavily praised the South American’s willingness to embrace defensive responsibilities.
“Watching Rayan one against one against Jeremy Doku, accepting, celebrating defensive plays, I was almost crying, because it’s what they need,” Iraola told the Daily Echo in May.
“It’s like he has talent, it’s a natural thing, but they have to make a bigger step in to being more complete, especially without the ball.”
Life after Salah
The Anfield hierarchy faces the monumental task of replacing their Egyptian talisman, who departed Merseyside this summer.
Ending a spectacular nine-year stint, the prolific forward delivered a staggering 380 goal contributions in 442 appearances for the club.
Rayan only arrived in English football from Vasco da Gama in January for an initial £24.7m fee.
However, the dynamic right-winger quickly justified that investment with five goals and two assists in just 15 matches.
Those vital contributions helped secure European qualification for Bournemouth for the first time in their history.