OGC Nice manager Didier Digard has delivered his verdict over a potential Manchester United takeover by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, via Sport Witness.

What is the latest news on a potential Man United takeover?

The INEOS billionaire has made an offer to try and take over at the Premier League side, with the Glazers currently mulling over his proposition. It is both he and Qatar-backed Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani who are the current frontrunners to own the Red Devils if and when the Glazers do sell up.

A bid from Ratcliffe could potentially see the Englishman buy only a slight majority in United, in a move that might upset Red Devils fans. It would allow the Glazers to still own a share of the club and with fans wanting to see a "full sale" of the Premier League outfit, this kind of deal may not go down too well.

Ratcliffe though wants to add United to the list of teams he runs, which also includes Ligue 1 based Nice. The French outfit have shown vast improvement under current interim boss Didier Digard since he was handed the reins back in January, and are now sat in the top ten, with a European spot not entirely out of the equation.

The worry for Nice could be that their owner puts more money into United if he was to take over at the Red Devils. However, when questioned about a takeover bid at Old Trafford, boss Digard stated to French media (via Sport Witness) that he would "be happy" if a deal was done.

Speaking about a bid, Digard said: "For me, Manchester United is something else. I don’t think we’re dependent on that at all. The boss has made such an investment in Nice that, sincerely, if he can give himself the gift of Manchester United, I would be happy for him because we know that it is something that is close to his heart.

“Above all else we know that he won’t disengage from OGC Nice. So, for us, that won’t change anything. I can guarantee to you that people are giving 100% to make this club grow."

Should Ratcliffe take over at Man United?

It's clear that the Red Devils are in need of fresh owners at Old Trafford, with fans regularly protesting at the way in which the Glazers are running the club.

Whilst anger towards the Americans has always been high, it was escalated even further in 2021 in the midst of the Super League debacle. Any new owner would therefore be an improvement for most United fans but the issue with a Ratcliffe deal is that it could allow the side's current owners to remain involved with the team.

That is something that supporters will want to avoid – and therefore, Ratcliffe's offer might not be as appealing to them as the Qatar-backed bid.

تعرض أليخاندرو بالدي للإصابة في مباراة برشلونة وأتلتيك بلباو، ضمن مواجهات كأس ملك إسبانيا.

ويلتقي برشلونة مع أتلتيك بلباو على ملعب “سان ماميس” في ربع نهائي بطولة كأس ملك إسبانيا.

وأصيب أليخاندرو بالدي لاعب برشلونة ولم يتمكن من استكمال المباراة، ليضطر تشافي هيرنانديز لاستبداله.

وقام مدرب برشلونة تشافي باستبدال بالدي، في الدقيقة 23 من عمر المباراة، وشارك هيكتور فورت بديلاً له.

اقرأ أيضًا | تقارير: لاعب برشلونة يقترب من الرحيل في الميركاتو الشتوي

وغادر بالدي ملعب المباراة باكيًا متأثرًا بالإصابة التي تعرض لها، واستقبله المشجعون بحفاوة بالغة لدعمه.

ولم يتضح بعد طبيعة إصابة بالدي، ومن المنتظر خضوع اللاعب للفحوصات الطبية لتحديد طبيعة الإصابة بدقة.

Callum Jackson answered Kent’s emergency call for a wicketkeeper in Cardiff. He travelled from Kent on Tuesday night to deputise for Adam Rouse who has a broken finger which needs an operation

ECB Reporters Network22-Jun-2016
ScorecardAneurin Donald made runs during a dreary final day•Getty Images

Callum Jackson, who was released by Sussex last year because of financial cutbacks, answered Kent’s emergency call for a wicketkeeper in Cardiff. He travelled from Kent on Tuesday night to deputise for Adam Rouse who has a broken finger which needs an operation.There was little prospect of a result to the game once 104.1 overs had been lost during the first two days, with both teams content with bonus points, although Glamorgan, despite their 12 points, remain at the bottom of Division 2.Had the weather not intervened, there could have been an interesting final day, with Kent chasing a target on a pitch that favoured the seamers.Callum Jackson•ECB

Glamorgan resumed on 22 for 0 on the final morning, but added only seven runs before Jacques Rudolph again failed, pulling a short delivery from Mitchell Claydon to the fielder stationed on the long leg boundary. Mark Wallace, another senior batsman in need of runs, mixed caution with aggression to add 52 with Will Bragg- before Bragg was bowled by Matt Coles for 22. Wallace went on to score 52 with seven fours, until he touched one to Jackson.Callum Jackson•ECB

Chris Cooke quickly followed, leg before playing across a delivery from Claydon, who then dismissed David Lloyd three balls later with the combined efforts of three fielders; the batsman edged the ball to fourth slip who diverted to third slip and eventually to Tom Latham at second slip who held on to spare his colleagues’ blushes.Aneurin Donald and Graham Wagg then averted a total collapse by adding 80 for the sixth wicket, with Donald, scoring an attractive 67- his third championship fifty of the season- from 68 balls with nine boundaries. Wagg went on to score his second fifty of the game, exceed 500 runs for the third successive season, being particularly severe on James Tredwell’s off spin whom he struck for 22 in one over.He was undefeated on 64, and now needs only 42 more runs to become Glamorgan’s leading run scorer in the championship this season .Both teams shook hands at 4.55pm when Glamorgan declared at 279 for 6- a lead of 348.Rudolph was pleased by his team’s overall performance- especially the two seamers Michael Hogan and Timm Van Der Gugten- and felt that” had we not lost so much time because of the weather, we could have won the game. But we are on an upward curve, and we are not far away from that championship win.”Kent captain Sam Northeast said that “after two weeks of white ball cricket, we found it tough to adjust, and we were not clinical enough after reducing them to 137 for 6 in the first innings but I was happy as they progressed from then on”.

Michael Klinger and Chris Dent smashed big centuries as Gloucestershire finally rekindled their Royal London Cup form of last season with a ten-run victory over Hampshire at Bristol.

ECB Reporters Network14-Jun-2016
ScorecardMichael Klinger notched his highest one-day score in Gloucestershire’s huge total•Getty ImagesMichael Klinger and Chris Dent smashed big centuries as Gloucestershire finally rekindled their Royal London Cup form of last season with a ten-run victory over Hampshire at Bristol.The holders had lost their first three group matches. But an opening stand of 242 in 38 overs between Klinger and Dent led the hosts to 352 for 3 from their 50 overs and ensured points on the board at last after the visitors had won the toss.Dent outscored his captain to make his second ton in this season’s competition off 116 balls, with 14 fours and three sixes, while Klinger went on to a career-best List A score off 150 balls, with 16 fours and six sixes.In reply, Hampshire managed a creditable 342 for 8 without ever looking like winning. Gareth Andrew contributed 70 not out, Liam Dawson 57, Sean Ervine 53 and Tom Alsop 50.Dent was in top form from the outset with a series of sweetly-struck boundaries through the off-side. The left-hander has rarely looked better as he moved to a brilliant 95-ball hundred, with Klinger content to play a supporting role.The Gloucestershire skipper only took charge after Dent had fallen to a skied catch at extra cover by Shahid Afridi off Dawson at the end of a memorable innings.From then on Klinger moved into top gear himself, reaching his 15th List A century off 115 deliveries. He then smacked a six and two fours in an over from Ryan Stevenson as the 300 was brought up in the 45th over.Klinger passed his previous best List A score of 140 not out by blasting his biggest six off Tino Best, the ball smacking against the top floor of the flats at the Ashley Down Road End.Ian Cockbain contributed a breezy 29, but it had basically been an exhilarating two-man show as Gloucestershire took a grip. Only Afridi, who conceded 44 from ten overs, exerted any measure of control.Hampshire began their reply solidly with an opening stand of 41 before Jimmy Adams fell to Liam Norwell for 22.Alsop went on to an impressive half-century off 39 balls, with five fours and a six, but the very next delivery from Benny Howell saw him carelessly drive a catch to extra cover.Ervine blasted successive sixes off Howell in the 19th over as he moved to the quickest fifty of the match off 32 balls, with three sixes and two fours.Will Smith helped add 78 in 11 overs before driving Kieran Noema-Barnett to mid-on where Tom Smith initially fumbled, but grabbed the ball at the third attempt.Noema-Barnett then struck the key blow with his innocuous looking medium-pace as Ervine miscued a cross-batted shot to short fine-leg. And Hampshire’s last realistic hope was dispelled when Afridi fell cheaply to Craig Miles.Dawson’s 47-ball half-century and Andrew’s blistering late assault were spirited efforts, but too little too late as 30 were still required off the final over. Andrew picked up two more sixes in it to take his five in a 41-ball blitz that deserved more reward.

Tottenham Hotspur have Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou on their wanted list to take over as manager this summer, according to a recent report from Football Insider.

What's the latest Tottenham manager news?

Journalist Jack Pitt-Brooke has recently claimed he would like to see Ruben Amorim or Roberto De Zerbi take over at Tottenham, as they would be akin to the appointment of Mauricio Pochettino, however there are other options available for the board.

Spurs are set for talks with Feyenoord boss Arne Slot, according to De Telegraaf journalist Valentijn Driessen, although he clarifies the club will speak with three or four managers, also name-checking Julian Nagelsmann and Pochettino.

Postecoglou has been linked with a move to N17 as far back as March, and there could be a growing possibility he is tempted by a move to the capital, according to a new report.

As per Football Insider, Celtic are now fearful their manager has already to decided to join a Premier League club this summer, having impressed top-flight teams with his transformation of the Glasgow side over the past two seasons.

The Australian's in-depth knowledge of the Japanese and Asian markets has caught the eye of a number of English clubs, with Tottenham placing him on their wanted list, while there could also be competition for his signature from Leeds United.

The report also details the Scottish side are not well-protected from a potential raid, as the Spurs managerial target is still on the 12-month rolling contract he signed when he initially arrived at Celtic Park.

Should Tottenham appoint Ange Postecoglou?

There is no denying the Athens-born tactician has done a fantastic job in Glasgow, leading them to the Scottish Premiership title in his first season in charge, and he has now won another title after his side's victory at Hearts yesterday.

That said, success in Scotland does not automatically translate to the Premier League, considering it is a much weaker league, and there are probably better options available, despite the fact the Aussie has been lauded as "incredible" by members of the media.

De Zerbi would be an exciting appointment for Spurs, having done an incredible job in his first season in the Premier League, leading his Brighton side to the FA Cup semi-final, and they are well in contention to qualify for Europe.

Having been hailed as "sensational" by the media, Amorim could also be the young, progressive coach Tottenham need to rebuild their squad, given his success with Sporting CP, winning a league title and three cup competitions.

Celtic can wrap up a second successive Scottish Premiership title with victory over Hearts later today at Tynecastle, with the Old Firm outfit currently 13 points clear at the summit with just five games left of the season to play.

In truth, it has been a case of when and not if the Parkhead giants would wrap up their league crown in recent weeks, with the recent derby victory over Rangers having all-but confirmed their status as champions.

Having again got the better of the Ibrox outfit in the Scottish Cup semi-final last weekend, the Hoops are now well-placed to secure what would be a historic eighth domestic treble, with Inverness Caledonian Thistle standing in their way in the showpiece next month.

A major concern for the Hoops ahead of that final, however – as well as for todays' trip to Edinburgh – is the news that defensive colossus, Cameron Carter-Vickers is set to be out for the remainder of the season, with the United States international set to undergo surgery after playing through the pain barrier in recent times.

As journalist John McGinley stated following the recent win at Hampden Park, the 25-year-old is simply a "warrior" and a "winner", hence the frustration that Postecoglou and co will have to make do without a player who is arguably the "best defender in the league" – as per his manager.

While perhaps putting a brave face on things, the Celtic boss himself does not appear too concerned about the loss of the former Tottenham Hotspur man, having suggested earlier this week that his side will "be all alright", with it set to be an "opportunity" for Yuki Kobayashi to enjoy a consistent run in the side.

Will Kobayashi start against Hearts?

With German defender Moritz Jenz having cut short his loan deal in January, it is set to be a straight fight between Stephen Welsh and Kobayashi to nail down a starting berth alongside Carl Starfelt, albeit with it looking as if the 6 foot 1, Japanese international is the favourite for the role, having "done really well" when he has featured of late, as per Postecoglou.

Despite having been restricted to just four appearances for the Glasgow side since signing from Vissel Kobe in January, the £1.2m-rated ace has still made a strong impression in that time, having notably been lauded by writer Stuart Hodge for his "magnificent" passing in the recent win over Kilmarnock.

As his manager stated following that impressive performance, the 22-year-old has "hardly put a foot wrong" since he has been in Scotland, having also been hailed as a 'comfortable and elegant' defender by Celtic Way's, Tony Haggerty.

Pundit Frank McAvennie has even gone as far as to suggest that Kobayashi is a "better option" than Starfelt to play on the left side of the defence alongside Carter-Vickers, albeit with the absence of the latter man ensuring that a new partnership will have to be formed involving the winter arrival and the experienced Swede.

It will undoubtedly be a test for that duo over the coming weeks, although Postecoglou will need the centre-back pairing to step up against Steven Naismith's side this afternoon.

Tottenham Hotspur are in desperate need of a new manager and a refreshed playing squad, yet fans would likely agree that keeping Harry Kane stands above all else.

The supreme forward has already cemented himself into the club's history books as their all-time top scorer and seems destined to one day topple Alan Shearer's Premier League record too.

Regardless how his career culminates, there is no doubt that the 29-year-old will be remembered as a legend. However, one thing that seemingly continues to irk the England captain is a lack of silverware.

In 2017, he famously claimed:

"I just want to win trophies. I don't think there's a day that goes past where I don't wake up and think I want to win something."

He would then set himself a time frame to achieve such a goal, which has since long gone: "In 3 years' time if I haven't won a few trophies by then I think it'll be disappointing."

It has now been nearly six years since that fateful interview, and his trophy cabinet remains as empty as the day he began his career.

As such, links with moves away are a constant, with Manchester United the latest to plot to snatch him. However, Daniel Levy could seek to throw one last Hail Mary in order to convince his star man to stay, by appointing Luciano Spalletti to take their managerial hot seat.

Will Luciano Spalletti join Spurs?

Having been accredited with an interest by two Italian journalists, first Ciro Venerato and more recently Paolo Bargiggia (via Sport Witness), both have combined to suggest Spurs can offer a far greater salary that would trump the contract extension proposed by Napoli.

The 64-year-old tactician, who prefers an attacking philosophy built around a 4-3-3 shape, has earned widespread praise for his work this season in claiming the Serie A title.

In reawakening a sleeping giant in Naples, Spalletti has marked himself out as one of Europe's most sought-after coaches, clearly sparking Levy's attention.

His brimming trophy cabinet alone would be enough to tempt the club's hierarchy to move, but also this winner's mentality might be enough to also convince Kane that this manager could bring him the silverware he so richly craves.

Also, with personal accolades similarly high on his list too, the fact that the Italian tactician has worked wonders with Victor Osimhen could persuade the £200k-per-week finisher that this remains the best place to take him to such glory. It is clear the 24-year-old forward thinks highly of his current boss too, having branded him a "genius" only last month.

With the Nigerian having scored 23 and assisted five in just 28 league appearances, there is reason to believe that Kane could take his scoring to the next level under this kind of tutelage, despite having already hit over 20 goals in six of his last nine seasons, all of which surpassed at least 16 goals.

Keeping the legendary striker in north London is likely to be the highest priority for Levy, but he could achieve this whilst also hiring a top head coach, should he appoint the outstanding manager that is Spalletti.

Arsenal may still have two fixtures of the 2022/23 campaign still to play but sporting director Edu Gaspar is already preparing for a busy summer of business off the pitch.

The Gunners look set to fall narrowly short of winning the Premier League for the first time since 2004, with Manchester City in pole position to win their ninth and third straight title.

Champions League football will return to north London after a six-year absence, however.

Mikel Arteta will undoubtedly want to not only do well in UEFA's prestigious competition but go one better next season and to do that, he'll need substantial backing in the transfer market.

And it's thought that could begin in defence as links to RB Leipzig defender Mohamed Simakan have emerged.

What's the latest on Arsenal's interest in Mohamed Simakan?

According to the Guardian's Ed Aarons, Arsenal have a "strong interest" in signing the 23-year-old from the Bundesliga outfit when the window re-opens for business next month. That is despite the young talent signing a contract extension to 2027 back in December.

The France U21 international cost Leipzig around €15m (£13m) in March 2021 and his exposure to senior football, combined with his undoubted potential and talent, has since seen his value soar to an estimated £30m, as per FootballTransfers.

Meanwhile, Paris Saint-Germain were thought to be quoted around €40m (£35m) last summer.

Edu and co aren't the only potential suitors for his signature, though, as they seem set to face rival interest from Manchester United, as per Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna.

What would Mohamed Simakan bring to Arsenal?

Much of the talk heading into the summer is regarding the Gunners' pursuit of Declan Rice and whilst he would be a huge statement signing to bolster a threadbare engine room, the addition of Simakan could prove even more beneficial to Arteta and his system.

Reports have recently emerged suggesting that the Spaniard would like to shift Ben White back into a more natural central defensive role, which would open up a glaring void at right-back, particularly because there technically isn't one contracted to the club. Takehiro Tomiyasu, like the Englishman, is a cross between a centre-back and a full-back.

Simakan is another similar prospect but has shone in the right-sided role at Leipzig.

The shift of White back into the heart of defence would ensure that the side can cope with any injuries next season as they look to trump City to a likely tenth title. The absence of William Saliba and subsequent reliance on a poorer quality alternative in Rob Holding has arguably cost the Gunners a real shot at glory.

Simakan's arrival would go to great lengths in ensuring this does not happen again.

The versatile Marseille-born "monster" – as hailed by journalist Robin Bairner – has admirably stepped up to fill Nordi Mukiele's shoes at the Red Bull Arena. No other Leipzig player registered a better average WhoScored rating in the Champions League this term (7.24) as he registered four goal contributions in just six starts in the competition.

Such exploits have seen his statistical profile likened to that of current Arsenal star Oleksandr Zinchenko, via FBref, so perhaps Arteta would be getting a more defensively sound version of the Ukraine international – and that would only benefit the side tenfold.

And when you compare his performances at right-back with his positional peers across Europe's elite five divisions, you quickly learn just how immensely talented he is.

As per FBref again, Simakan ranks inside the top 1% of the aforementioned cohort for assists, shot-creating actions and touches in the penalty box per 90, as well as the top 2% for progressive carries and successful take-ons per 90, and even the top 8% for progressive passes per 90.

This would suggest that the Leipzig dynamo is an efficient ball carrier, particularly in getting forward from deep and one that is capable of providing some creativity in the final third. This is also similar to White, who has mustered up two goals and three assists in 2023 alone.

During his efforts in the UCL this term, Simakan has also averaged 2.3 tackles per game, which sees him rank second overall, and a squad-high 1.7 interceptions per game, also using his 6 foot 2 frame to win 1.6 aerial duels per game – more than anyone else too, per WhoScored.

It is perhaps why scout Jacek Kulig once hailed the former Strasbourg prodigy as "underrated," "versatile," "strong" and "complete," as well as comparing him to a "young Lillian Thuram."

The array of superlatives and comparisons doesn't just stop there, though.

His former coach Francois Keller once claimed that Simakan was "the new Varane," referring to current Manchester United superstar Raphael Varane, due to his "athletic" and "powerful" attributes.

Given the evidence above, the arrival of the Leipzig sensation could really transform Arsenal's fortunes defensively as his presence at right-back would allow White to provide genuine competition alongside Jakub Kiwior to both Gabriel Magalhaes and Saliba.

The Gunners shouldn't give up their pursuit of Rice either as the addition of these two transfer targets would seriously bolster Arteta's squad, though it is Simakan that seems an absolute perfect fit for the Spaniard and his exciting system.

Arsenal put the pressure back onto Manchester City in the Premier League title race as they recorded a resolute 2-0 victory over third-placed Newcastle United on Sunday afternoon.

Mikel Arteta's side rode an early storm from the Magpies but Martin Odegaard's outside-of-the-box strike from nothing calmed some nerves at St James' Park.

The Gunners were smart with their game management and were rewarded with a stroke of luck when Fabian Schar turned the ball into his own net from a Gabriel Martinelli cross late in the second half.

It means the north Londoners move one point behind the defending champions, who still have a game in hand heading into the final few fixtures of the 2022/23 campaign.

Leading from the front as he often does, Odegaard was at the centre of a real monstrous display up in the northeast and quite rightly will be lauded for his fine work, not to mention his record-breaking moment as it was his 13th goal from open play – the most of any midfielder in the history of the Premier League.

However, he wasn't the only player that ran the show…

How did Jorginho perform vs Newcastle?

A little deeper in midfield was Jorginho, acting as Arteta's beating metronome – calm in possession, rock solid defensively and sold fouls like they were hotcakes.

His experience as a Champions League and Europa League winner was vital, ensuring that his teammates kept their cool from Newcastle's frustrating tactics and that they didn't get too ahead of themselves after opening the scoring.

As per Sofascore, the former Chelsea star led the side for touches (70), accurate passes (44), clearances (three), key passes (two) and assists (one); clearly encompassing an almighty all-round display, one worthy of Egal Talks' accolade of being a midfield "masterclass".

Jorginho also chipped in with three tackles and one interception, whilst he won seven of 11 ground duels, proving to be a real thorn in Eddie Howe's side.

It was a performance that Sky Sports commentator Gary Neville handed the Italian the 'Man of the Match' award "by streets," showing just how impressive he really was in the heart of the pitch.

The 31-year-old, who is valued at around £21m by FootballTransfers, was also hailed as a "baller" by The Athletic's Leyla Hamed, who also suggested that he was the "main man in the first-half," though as it quickly emerged, he was throughout the entire match.

If Arsenal do pull off the unthinkable from here, then the emergence of Jorginho as a key player in these final stages was certainly a big part of the reason why.

The £110k-per-week machine just put in a Rolls-Royce display against a team that has only been beaten by City and Liverpool at home since Howe walked through the door.

Ultimately, he ran the show against the Magpies.

تعرف على موعد والقناة الناقلة لمباراة الزمالك وأم صلال القطري اليوم.

يلتقي فريق الكرة الأول بنادي الزمالك مع أم صلال القطري، مساء اليوم الأربعاء، ضمن منافسات بطولة الوحدة الودية الدولية.

الزمالك يلاقي أم صلال، في مباراة تحديد المركز الثالث والرابع بالبطولة الودية المقامة في الإمارات.

ويخوض الزمالك معسكراً في الإمارات من الفترة 20 وحتى 24 يناير الجاري بمشاركة أندية الوحدة الإماراتي والاتفاق السعودي وأم صلال القطري.

ولعب الزمالك أمام الوحدة في مباراة دور نصف النهائي، وخسر بثلاثة أهداف مقابل هدف، بينما فريق أم صلال هُزم من الاتفاق.

طالع | عمرو أدهم: فيتوريا سهل مهمة الزمالك في حل أزمة القيد موعد مباراة الزمالك وأم صلال القطري اليوم ودياً

تقام مباراة الزمالك مع أم صلال القطري، اليوم الأربعاء 24 يناير 2024، في تمام الساعة 3:10 مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة، 4:10 بتوقيت السعودية. القناة الناقلة لمباراة الزمالك أم صلال القطري

تنقل مباراة الزمالك وأم صلال، على قناة أبو ظبي الرياضية.

ويمكنكم مطالعة مواعيد ونتائج جميع المباريات لحظة بلحظة عبر مركز المباريات من هنا.