Manchester United may be sold for "lower than the often quoted £6bn ($7.5bn)", according to reliable CBS reporter Ben Jacobs.

What's the latest takeover news?

The Manchester United takeover took yet another twist this week in what is fast becoming never-ending torture for supporters, as details emerged over the bid from Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani.

According to Jacobs, and now widely reported elsehwere, Sheikh Jassim's offer has led to confusion because it "includes the debt & around £0.8bn ($1bn) in pledged investment". The Glazers will not include pledged investment in their decision making and will only base their valuation on the actual offer for the shares, of which the controversial family currently possess 69 per cent. This means Sheikh Jassim's bid is actually only around £4bn ($5bn), which is way shy of the often reported £6bn ($7.5bn) price tag.

That makes the Qatari's bid lower than what's on offer from Sir Jim Ratcliffe, CEO of INEOS, with "some sources indicating" the latter's bid has actually been superior right the way through the process, in what is a huge update to the ongoing takeover saga.

Some light in the tunnel for supporters?

While the supporters hoping for Qatari riches will no doubt be disheartened by the latest major twist in the tale, there is some light at the end of the tunnel, as Jacobs reports the asking price is actually lower than £6bn.

He says: "It is now understood the Glazers may strongly consider an outright sale for between £4.8bn ($6bn) and £5.6bn ($7bn), which is a bit lower than the often quoted £6bn ($7.5bn)."

This of course brings the gap between the Glazers and Sheikh Jassim right down, and fans on both sides of the matter will surely be excited by his rumoured plans for the club. The Nine Two Foundation say they want to "return the Club to its former glories both on and off the pitch" and "invest in the football teams, the training centre, the stadium and wider infrastructure, the fan experience and the communities the Club supports".

There are already reports that the potential new owners are eyeing up superstar signings like Neymar and Jude Bellingham, signings which would certainly bring back the fear factor around Old Trafford, but fans will now simply have to wait and see if they up their offer to try and eclipse Ratcliffe and get closer to the Glazers' asking price.

Aston Villa have deployed chiefs to watch Real Betis forward Luiz Henrique ahead of a potential move to the Premier League, according to reports.

What's the latest on Henrique to Aston Villa?

The Midlands outfit have Bertrand Traore out of contract next summer meaning that the upcoming window will present the final opportunity for them to cash in, and should that be the case, Unai Emery might have already identified his replacement in the form of the 22-year-old.

The Brazilian only arrived at the Benito Villamarin Stadium in July 2022 so his deal isn’t set to expire for another five years, but having impressed during his 39 appearances to date, has caught the eye of the Spanish boss.

The Daily Mail credited the Villa Park side with an initial interest in the winger at the start of the new year and claimed that the board were weighing up whether to submit an official offer, and whilst they decided against it at the time, they have already begun preparations to take a second bite of the cherry in the weeks and months ahead.

According to Spanish outlet AS (via Sport Witness), Aston Villa have Henrique on their “radar” ahead of the 2023/24 season. NSWE and Emery have “sent their scouts” to assess their left-footed target and they are name-checked to be “one of the most interested” potential suitors. The £8.1k-per-week ace is expected to be on the move “sooner rather than later”, and his club are hoping to make a profit from his sale on the €7.5m (£6.6m) they initially paid for him last summer.

Should Aston Villa make an offer for Henrique?

Henrique has been dubbed a “game changer” since an early age by talent scout Jacek Kulig, and as an individual that already has experience playing in the Europa League which is where Aston Villa are aiming to end up, they should definitely consider testing the waters at the end of the season.

The Adidas-sponsored star has posted ten goal contributions (seven assists and three goals) during his debut season at Real Betis and has recorded a total of 42 shots since the start of the term which is the second-highest throughout the whole of his squad, as per FBRef.

A versatile operator, Henrique additionally has the flexibility to play in an outstanding seven various positions, including anywhere across the frontline and even in the midfield, so this deal really is a no-brainer to complete should the opportunity present itself in the summer.

Brendon McCullum has been brought in to help upgrade Middlesex’s white-ball cricket but as Hampshire’s spinners took control at Radlett the task looked far from easy

Will Macpherson at Radlett07-Jun-2016
ScorecardLiam Dawson led Hampshire to victory•Chris WhiteoakThere was something rather contradictory, yet ever so appropriate, about Brendon McCullum’s first meaningful act as a Middlesex player taking place at Radlett.Beyond the fact that Radlett is not actually in Middlesex (it is in Hertfordshire), it is a funny little place. So little, in fact, that T20 cricket – the game from which McCullum now makes his living – cannot be played here. The boundaries are just too diddy, as the New Zealander showed in this Royal London Cup fixture with four simply-struck sixes in his 74. One easily cleared the sightscreen, another – towards cow – hit a tree 15 metres up.But Radlett is also the ground that proves that Middlesex, like the All Blacks, and like McCullum’s Black Caps, as he so eloquently explained when giving the Cowdrey Lecture on Monday evening, have a no-d*ckheads policy.It has a different name in these parts – Angus Fraser speaks of the ‘Middlesex DNA’ – but the comparison rings true. When the county played at Radlett in previous years, it had been felt that one end, which leads down to a clear field, meant that plenty of time was being wasted chasing the ball. So, this off-season, Middlesex’s squad were brought up here, and they built a fence. This was not just a practical benefit for Radlett and Middlesex, but a neat team-building exercise too.Dawson’s Lions lift

Liam Dawson, Hampshire’s match-winner, said he felt his time with the England Lions last winter had helped his all-round game and added: “This is a great win. We have been struggling in one-day cricket recently, and we have been a little bit low in confidence across all formats so it’s nice to start this competition this year with two wins.
“Chasing down targets is something I have got better at over the last year or so. My game awareness is better. I had a few thick edges and a little bit of luck but you need that in one-day cricket. I enjoy the 50-over competition and this victory is a real boost to our dressing room.
“I think Mason Crane and myself complement each other well as spinners. Mason’s young and will bowl some bad balls but we have to accept that at the moment because he is a wicket-taker and, in this type if cricket, if you keep taking wickets in the middle overs you are always in the game.”

The game, however, was less impressive for Middlesex and went a long way to explaining why they were so keen to bring a white-ball cricketer of McCullum’s pedigree and calibre to the club.His innings had got them off to a flyer on a slow pitch yet, having been 190 for 2 in the 30th over, they contrived to limp to just 295, with Mason Crane’s legspin claiming four vital wickets, including McCullum himself, a ball after he had plonked him down the ground for six.Then, after a two-hour rain delay spat out a DLS equation that seemed to favour Middlesex (the visitors needed 202 from 26 overs), Hampshire cruised home with greater ease than the scorecard – three balls remaining – suggested. Middlesex, as McCullum’s T20 debut v Gloucestershire proved last Thursday, still do not know how to close out white-ball games.That they did not was largely down to Liam Dawson, who shared 89 in nine overs to turn the game with Sean Ervine, and finished unbeaten on 68 from 40. Dawson, such a canny cricketer, pulled beautifully and knew exactly where the gaps in the deep lay, with the six twos he found proving vital.Middlesex managed to feed the strengths of both he and Ervine, who was rather more belligerent in his approach, with only Toby Roland-Jones, who earlier claimed the vital wicket of Jimmy Adams, caught at deep cover, able to limit scoring.Shortly after Adams fell, Paul Stirling, who, with damp ball in hand, would be relentlessly attacked by Ervine and Dawson, had Adam Wheater stumped outside off and Middlesex were back in control. Dawson, even after James Fuller yorked Ervine, always looked to have a tricky chase in hand. His non-playing role in the England squad at the World T20 is unlikely to be his last involvement with the national side.Middlesex’s innings had seen a progression of batsmen get settled, and then, emboldened by McCullum’s gung-hoism, depart. The top three breezed to 190 but Crane bowled Dawid Malan and McCullum’s knock – not always fluent but with those brilliant wrists and powerful forearms to the fore – came to end when he tamely edged a turner to slip. Nick Gubbins, as strong on the cut as ever, was pinned in front trying to flick to leg.And that is when the stuttering started. Eoin Morgan looked ready to explode, a beautiful late cut followed by a fine cover drive and a six down the ground, but then – with 19-year-old Crane bowling the first ball of a new spell – he slapped straight to deep midwicket.Crane had seemed unperturbed by being given some tap – his ten overs did cost 80 compared to Dawson’s 32 – but he returned to bowl the 46th over, dismissed a fourth set batsman, James Franklin, and ended Middlesex’s hopes of the score their start had demanded: all but one of the top seven passed 20 but none reached 75. All of which, as Dawson calmly negotiated the target Hampshire’s spin pairing had set up, seemed very important indeed.

Tottenham Hotspur insiders admire Brendan Rodgers as Spurs continue their search for a permanent manager, according to reports.

What's the latest Spurs manager news?

The Lilywhites are still searching for Antonio Conte's long term replacement at N17 with chairman Daniel Levy making an absolutely huge decision on Monday.

Former interim head coach Cristian Stellini has been relieved of his duties after a dismal 6-1 battering at hands of Premier League top four rivals Newcastle – a result which leaves them playing catch up to the Magpies and Man United who are well out in front.

It's a truly dire situation at Spurs and Levy simply must get the club's next managerial appointment spot on, or risk further backlash from the fanbase who have already staged protests against ENIC's ownership.

However, there are options for Tottenham and many elite managers are readily-available for hire after leaving their most recent clubs.

Julian Nagelsmann, formerly of Bayern Munich, and ex-Barcelona manager Luis Enrique stand out as potentially fruitful options – with Burnley boss Vincent Kompany and Feyenoord's Arne Slot also of interest to Tottenham.

However, according to 90min, the aforementioned quartet aren't the only coaches who have caught the eye of those 'inside the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium'.

Indeed., as per the report, another manager who is admired within the club is former Leicester City boss Rodgers – who was recently fired after leading the Foxes into a relegation battle.

As well as the 50-year-old, Thomas Frank (Brentford) and Oliver Glasner (Eintracht Frankfurt) also have fans at Spurs.

Should Spurs pursue Rodgers?

The way he departed Leicester has seen his stock fall slightly, but it wasn't long ago he won both the FA Cup and Community Shield, clinching both honours at Wembley in 2021.

Interestingly, he was also Levy's 'preferred choice' to succeed Harry Redknapp years ago (Football Insider), with Spurs now having a free run at Rodgers who could now join as a free agent.

We believe he could still have the capabilities to make a success of Spurs, with Sky journalist Rob Dorsett giving him a glowing endorsement on the ex-Celtic boss back in 2020. He said:

"Brendan Rodgers is an incredibly good coach, an incredibly good manager. Off camera, he talks about football matters and he's fascinating. He explains how he gets his team to press, why he wants to play out from the back, and it's a real footballing education."

Burnley ended their phenomenal 2022/23 campaign on Monday as they beat Cardiff 3-0 at Turf Moor in the final match of the season.

Vincent Kompany's side finished on a staggering 101 points as they won the Championship title in style to gain promotion back up to the Premier League.

The Clarets must now begin to prepare for life in the top tier and could have a busy summer transfer window ahead of them to build a squad capable of competing in a higher division.

Whilst promotion provides Burnley with the possible opportunity to go into Europe to sign multi-million pound, experienced, players from some of the major leagues, the club could also use their new funds to add to their pool of young talent.

One prospect who has been linked with a move to Turf Moor this summer is Motherwell gem Max Johnston, who has caught the eye in Scotland this season.

Who is Max Johnston?

The 19-year-old defender is a promising young right-back who is currently playing in the Scottish Premiership and he could be the long-term heir to Connor Roberts' position in the side.

Burnley's current first-choice option in the role enjoyed a sublime season in the Championship, having averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.00 across 43 appearances whilst he also chipped in with four goals and six assists, and averag ed one chance created per match for his teammates.

The Welshman also made 1.7 tackles and interceptions per outing, winning 56% of his duels, and proved himself to be reliable at both ends of the pitch – bombing on to support the attack without being a liability in defence.

Johnston, meanwhile, has averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.75 across 15 appearances in the Premiership. The teen gem has provided two goals and three assists from right-back, whilst also making 1.8 tackles and interceptions per match.

The Middlesbrough-born full-back, whose delivery from out wide was hailed as "fantastic" by ex-Scotland winger Neil McCann, has shown huge promise at such a young age with those performances.

He has showcased his ability to be a difference-maker in the final third whilst also remaining active out of possession and these statistics indicate that the prospect is similar to Roberts in style, with both defenders making an impact on both ends.

Johnston is eight years younger than the ex-Swansea man and could spend the next couple of years learning from the 27-year-old to develop his game before eventually taking over from him in the starting XI, which is why this could be a shrewd move by Kompany even if it does not immediately improve his side.

Journalist Charles Watts has claimed that Arsenal could try and use Eddie Nketiah, Folarin Balogun, or Emile Smith Rowe to help Arsenal sign West Ham United captain Declan Rice.

What are the latest West Ham rumours?

A number of top Premier League teams seem very keen on landing the England international but he won't come for cheap.

Indeed, as per a recent report in Sky Sports, Rice could cost around £120m if a Champions League club such as Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool or the Gunners want to get a deal done.

In that same article, it's also claimed that the Irons could potentially be open to a transfer which would see the £60k-per-week midfielder sold for £100m with another player coming in as part of a swap deal.

And while talking about this possibility on his YouTube channel, Watts suggested three names that could be used by Arsenal as a way of completing a move for Rice.

He said (11:07): “It'll be interesting when you look if they are willing to accept a player, potentially someone like Eddie Nketiah.

"£100m plus Eddie Nketiah, Folarin Balogun even. You know, West Ham need a striker – might be looking at either of those two.

"Emile Smith Rowe, his future is potentially unclear going into the summer. Could you throw him into the mix as well? So there's, there's potential for Arsenal.”

Will Rice be sold as part of a swap deal?

There can be no doubt, Rice is going to cost a pretty penny if he does leave this simmer. After the recent win against Manchester United, manager David Moyes emphasised that point.

Indeed, he told the press: “Again, he was outstanding tonight but I thought we had some really big performers. No surprising me, he has got a great talent of regaining the ball.

“You’ve seen him play for England, you’ve seen the abilities he uses in recovering the ball and getting around people. He’s great across the ground, very quick. I’m pleased, but not surprised.

“That’s why he is probably the best English midfield player around and that is why he is going to be extremely expensive if anybody comes calling.”

And while a swap deal would help soften the blow of a potential departure, it remains unclear if West Ham would be keen on any of the names suggested by Watts.

After all, Nketiah, Balogun and Smith Rowe are all more attack-minded players. Still, there has been talk that Gianluca Scamacca could be off this summer, which could open the door for one of those Arsenal strikers to arrive.

With Rice undoubtedly of interest to many clubs, it will be interesting to see who can offer West Ham the most enticing proposition this summer.

Shakib Al Hasan is set to appear for Abahani Limited for the first time in six years on Saturday in their Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League match against Prime Doleshwar Sporting Club at the BKSP-3 ground.He arrived in Dhaka on Friday afternoon, having completed his IPL stint with Kolkata Knight Riders. But Shakib didn’t say much about the prospect of Saturday’s match, only confirming that he will be playing.Abahani, who have lost four out of eight games and are in seventh place on the points table – will welcome Shakib’s return.Shakib’s last appearance for Abahani, in the finale of the 2009-10 Dhaka Premier League, created a flutter. Shakib was blamed for losing a last-ball thriller to arch-rivals Mohammedan Sporting Club, with club officials and fans hounding him inside the Mirpur dressing room. Top Abahani officials, who had vowed never include Shakib again, signed him up at the players’ draft in April despite knowing about his prior commitment with Knight Riders.Shakib did not have a particularly fruitful IPL season this year, finishing with 114 runs at an average of 22.80 and a strike rate of 107.54. His five wickets cost 48.60 apiece, with an economy rate of 7.83. He wasn’t picked in the Eliminator against Sunrisers Hyderabad.”The team did well but from an individual point of view, I should have done better,” Shakib said. “My performance wasn’t to my satisfaction. I would have given my best if I had been picked for the last game, but it was the team’s decision and they took it in their best interests. So there’s no room to feel anything else.”This will also be the first time since the 2012-13 season when Shakib and Tamim Iqbal, Abahani’s captain, will play for the same club. The two are known to be good friends, and to have both in the same playing XI represents something of a coup in Bangladesh’s domestic cricket scene.

كشف مصدر مقرب من اللاعب الدولي محمد أشرف روقا لاعب خط وسط الزمالك، النقاب عن حقيقة وجود اتفاق مع الجونة للانتقال إليه خلال فترة الانتقالات الشتوية الجارية.

وأكد المصدر لـ بطولات أنه لا صحة لما تردد بشأن وجود اتفاق بينه وبين الجونة للانضمام إلى صفوفه.

خاص | فيوتشر يطلب ضم ثنائي الزمالك مقابل ناصر ماهر.. وعقبة وحيدة

وأوضح أن الزمالك لم يتحدث مع اللاعب بشأن رحيله في الوقت الحالي، بدليل أنه ضمن العناصر التي ستسافر فجر اليوم إلى الإمارات لخوض المعسكر مع الفريق.

وشدد على أن الجهاز الفني لفريق الزمالك بقيادة معتمد جمال، يتمسك باللاعب ولا تفكير في رحيله خلال المرحلة الحالية.

ويستعد الزمالك للمشاركة في بطولة نادي الوحدة الإماراتي الودية في أبو ظبي والمقرر إقامتها خلال الفترة من 18 وحتى 24 يناير الجاري بمشاركة أندية الوحدة الإماراتي والاتفاق السعودي وأم صلال القطري.

ويعقبها المشاركة في بطولة كأس دبي للتحدي، خلال الفترة من 26 وحتى 28 يناير، بجانب أندية الرجاء المغربي والأهلي السعودي ووهان ثري تاونز الصيني، على أن تقام المباريات على استاد آل مكتوم.

Frank McAvennie has claimed Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy has "lost the plot" after hearing about Harry Kane's influence on Spurs' next manager.

What's the latest Spurs manager news?

The north Londoners' hopes of sealing a Premier League top four finish are dwindling with assistant coach Ryan Mason potentially having his eyes on a Europa League spot.

Levy, meanwhile, is apparently turning the screws further in Tottenham's search for a new manager next season, with Spurs apparently completing the due-diligence stage of their hunt.

The Lilywhites are now apparently set to step up talks with candidates, with both Julian Nagelsmann and Luis Enrique already holding negotiations with the club. As well as the two out-of-work coaches, Sporting Lisbon's Ruben Amorim and Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso are also being targeted.

Further reports in the last week have also suggested that star striker Kane, who is out of contract in the summer of 2024, is set to have a major say on Conte's replacement at Spurs (Football Insider).

The 29-year-old is apparently proving to be a huge part of negotiations as Spurs sit down for talks with prospective new bosses, which McAvennie believes is an "embarrassment".

The former West Ham and Celtic striker, speaking to Football Insider, says Levy has "lost the plot" and can't believe the say Kane is having in Spurs' manager search.

He explained:

"I can’t fathom that they are asking a player who he wants as a manager. For me it shows you the embarrassment of Tottenham.

“The chairman has lost the plot. First of all he had a meeting with the boys to ask them about getting rid of the manager, I have never heard of that at a football club.

“Harry Kane, Eric Dier and some of the other boys are dictating how that club is run, it beggars belief. Now they are talking about who they want as a manager, what kind of football club is it?“

Is this the right call by Levy?

While there is an argument to be made that players' voices should be heard, especially when considering who is best to take the club forward, we also believe they must only have a minor say.

It is the job of Levy and Tottenham's hierarchy to make informed decisions on which manager is best to transform Spurs' fortunes, not Kane's, and it will be interesting to see who comes through the door.

We believe ex-Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann should be the top target, especially considering his status as a young, exciting and elite manager who already boasts league titles at the age of 35.

Tottenham Hotspur manager candidate Arne Slot has become slightly more likely to get the Spurs job after rising up their manager list.

What's the latest Spurs manager news?

The north Londoners are working to appoint Antonio Conte's successor in the background of their hunt for a top four Premier League finish.

Spurs could be seen as outside contenders to seal Champions League qualification after recent results, and if they fail to do so, chairman Daniel Levy may face a difficult task in trying to persuade world football's most elite coaches.

Julian Nagelsmann, another managerial target for Spurs, apparently sees Europe as a deal-breaker if he is to take the Spurs job so Levy and co may well need to prepare for alternative options if that is the case.

Tottenham have compiled a list of candidates for the job, with Vincent Kompany, Luis Enrique, Ange Postecoglou and Slot featuring in their thinking.

The latter manager has performed brilliantly at Feyenoord this season, prompting Spurs to take note and consider a move for him.

Sharing an update on Tottenham's links to the 44-year-old, a report by Soccer News now claims that Slot 'rises one place' on Spurs' list of candidates as he becomes more likely to get the job.

This is partly due to Chelsea and Todd Boehly effectively ruling out a move for tactician, and while Tottenham still prefer other coaches, Slot's odds have increased.

While he is a step behind for the time being, it's claimed that Spurs do see him as an 'interesting option'.

What could Slot bring to Spurs?

The former AZ Alkmaar boss has shone at Feyenoord this season, guiding them to top of the Eredivisie standings whilst losing just once all season.

Slot has also been heralded by Dutch football experts, like Marcel van der Kraan, who have raved over his attacking philosophy.

Van Der Kraan said this on the manager to talkSPORT recently:

“He is very similar to Pep Guardiola, his ideas are very similar, he is a massive fan of Pep and he plays the same time.“He goes ultra-attacking, he is almost like a maniac. Not on the touchline but it is fantastic to see how he has turned an average side into a wonderful attacking machine.“I don’t think he will leave now with three trophies up for grabs, but in the summer, big chances.”

It's little surprise he is in Levy's thinking based off plaudits like this, and it will be interesting to see if he rises further on Tottenham's list.