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Rio Ferdinand has given an update on the "very complex" takeover at Manchester United, with the help of his "great source" at the club.

What's the latest on the takeover?

When Man United were put up for sale in late November last year, fans would have hoped to know who their club's new owners were by the end of the season.

Now in July, there is still significant uncertainty over the club's future, with the Glazers yet to make a final decision on United's ownership.

There are still two bids on the table for control at Old Trafford. One belongs to Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the CEO of INEOS, and the other belongs to Qatari businessman Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani.

The former reportedly wants to buy a majority stake in the club, allowing the Glazers to stay as minority shareholders, while Sheikh Jassim wants to buy 100% of the club, which would push the Glazers out of the door completely.

Sheikh Jassim submitted a fifth and final bid for United in early June according to Ben Jacobs, with the bid reportedly worth approximately £5bn, and the Qatari is now considered the favourite to take over at Old Trafford.

What did Ferdinand say?

Former United defender Ferdinand has now issued a recent update on the club's potential takeover, owing certain information to his inside source at Old Trafford, with some suggestions that there may be greater clarification on the takeover soon.

Speaking on the FIVE YouTube channel, Ferdinand claimed: "You know what, the biggest thing is I had some news from a very good source, my great source at Manchester United.

"Things were running quite smooth and it was going down the right path but then obviously…I think the biggest issue is when you're dealing with a group of people rather than an individual it makes things very complex and difficult at times.

"You're not dealing with one individual with the Glazers, I think Jim Ratcliffe said it today, and I think that's been the issue behind the scenes. I didn't want to come out and say it but you're dealing with siblings in the Glazer family who are there to make a collective decision. I don't think one person can just make a decision on their own."

He added: "So, therefore, that makes it very difficult to kind of say yes immediately, just like that. It's a process they have to go through."

However, at the end of the podcast, contributor Joel Beya says: "You know what it's funny because there's definitely some takeover news happening. I know you can't say too much for whatever reasons, we spoke off air, but even from someone that's not in it as much as you I am hearing some big things happening tomorrow (Tuesday)."

Ferdinand responded: "I was talking to [David] Ornstein as well. Man he's got good knowledge as well but we've got good sources so."

The implication from Ferdinand is that there may be imminent news on the horizon regarding the takeover, with Sheikh Jassim supossedly leading the race. However, Ferdinand did make a point of saying that Ratcliffe is not yet out of the running, while it is still possible that the Glazers choose not to sell after all.

United supporters will be hoping that everything is sorted as quickly as possible with the current uncertainty adversely affecting the club's transfer plans heading into next season.

دخل فينيسيوس جونيور، نجم فريق ريال مدريد، في نوبة بكاء خلال ظهوره في مؤتمر صحفي اليوم قبل مباراة البرازيل وإسبانيا غدًا.

وكان فينيسيوس جونيور عرضة للإساءات العنصرية في أكثر من مباراة لـ ريال مدريد.

وقال فينيسيوس جونيور في تصريحات نشرتها صحيفة “ذا صن” الإنجليزية: “أنا آسف، أريد فقط أن ألعب كرة القدم، وأن أفعل كل شيء من أجل ناديي وعائلتي، وألا أرى السود يعانون أبدًا”.

وأضاف: “لم أفكر قط في مغادرة إسبانيا، لأن ذلك سيعطي العنصريين ما يريدون، لن أترك أفضل نادٍ في العالم، أريد اللعب فقط، لقد فكرت حقًا في الاعتزال”.

وواصل البرازيلي تصريحاته قائلًا: “سأبقى حازمًا وقويًا لأن الرئيس والنادي يدعمانني”.

اقرأ أيضًا.. كارفاخال: مواجهة فينيسيوس صعبة.. وإسبانيا ليست عنصرية

وأردف: “العنصرية اللفظية لا تحدث في إسبانيا فحسب، بل في جميع أنحاء العالم أيضًا، في كل يوم أعود إلى المنزل أشعر بالحزن، لا أحد يدعمني”.

واستمر: “مع كل شكوى أشعر بالسوء، لكن يجب أن أظهر هنا وأظهر وجهي، لقد طلبت المساعدة من يويفا، الفيفا، اتحاد أمريكا الجنوبية والاتحاد البرازيلي، وهي مجموعات كبيرة ويمكنها محاربة ذلك”.

وفي إشارة إلى الملاكم الأسطوري محمد علي، قال: “الآن أفهم المزيد عن العنصرية، لقد درستها، ولهذا السبب أتحدث بمثل هذه اللياقة، كان محمد علي مثالاً، وأنا هنا للتحدث نيابة عن البرازيليين، لأن كثيرون يدافعون عني في هذا”.

Vinicius Jr got emotional during the press conference because all the questions were about racism…

“Sorry, I just want to play football, do everything for my club and my family.”

We are with you, @vinijr! 🥺🤍

pic.twitter.com/mQOE9lvs70 — TC (@totalcristiano) March 25, 2024

Leeds United's manager search has dragged on now, mainly halted by the progress of Andrea Radrizzani's sale of the club.

With new ownership now in place, and a brighter future promised at Elland Road, the 49ers' first move must be to secure a capable boss who can lead them back to the Premier League of which they struggled away from for so long last time.

To make things more beneficial, it would be useful if this new boss could also work towards keeping the top stars of this current squad before they are slowly picked off by various clubs, seeking a cut-price deal for a top-quality player.

One such example of this would be Wilfried Gnonto, who massively caught the eye in what was his debut year in English football. However, as his starts waned near the end of the season, the Italy international would likely have grown frustrated.

Therefore, to perhaps return to an old option they considered following the sacking of Jesse Marsch, Patrick Vieira might be one of a select few that could keep the 19-year-old in Yorkshire, citing his work with Wilfried Zaha and Michael Olise as examples as to why he should stay.

Would Patrick Vieira help Wilfried Gnonto improve?

Whilst the Arsenal hero, and "legend" in the eyes of writer David Ornstein, might have seen his time at Crystal Palace cut short, the 46-year-old remains a man who earned huge success against all the odds during that first term at Selhurst Park.

Many viewed his time at New York City FC and OGC Nice as underwhelming spells, far from the requisite experience to thrive in a league where he dominated as a player. However, shrewd business allowed him to finish 12th and give his fans a trip to Wembley.

Zaha would notch 14 league goals that campaign, with Olise hitting 13 goal contributions in all competitions. It is clear that Vieira's 4-3-3 system is very conducive for wide men, suggesting Gnonto would also thrive.

Not just goal-scoring wide men, the two displayed their creative assets under Vieira too, with the Ivorian registering five assists to Olise's incredibly impressive 13.

By comparison, across all competitions of a tumultuous year for Leeds, Gntono recorded six goals and five assists, dressing his work up in that same flair and outlandish exuberance that has made the Ivory Coast international so loved by Palace fans.

When compared to other wingers across Europe, he even ranks in the top 16% for progressive carries per 90 (4.39) to further emphasise this dynamism, whereas Zaha and Olise registered 3.38 and 3.63 respectively.

Whilst the Italian's performances have understandably drawn interest from across the globe, should he be tempted to stay by this titan of the English game, he could be turned into a truly unplayable star who could propel the 49ers' club straight back into the top flight.

All he needs to do is look at how Vieira's progressed Olise's career at Selhurst Park.

Manchester United are believed to be eyeing a move for Bayern Munich defender, Benjamin Pavard, according to the latest reports.

What's the latest on Pavard to Man United?

As per transfer insider, Graeme Bailey, the Red Devils are said to be one of the clubs who are showing an interest in the World Cup-winning ace, with the 27-year-old seemingly intent on a change of scenery with just 12 months left to run on his existing deal in Bavaria.

Writing on Twitter, the respected source stated: "Benjamin Pavard informs Bayern Munich of desire to leave. Man Utd among interested clubs keen on the French star, as @90min_Football revealed back in April. "

In his attached piece for 90min, Bailey – alongside colleague Scott Saunders – revealed that the Old Trafford outfit are said to have already held talks with the player's agent regarding a summer switch, with Erik ten Hag's side said to be seeking cover at both right-back and centre-back.

Who could Pavard replace at Man United?

The signing of the France international – who has been valued at around €20m (£17m) – could seemingly allow United to kill two birds with one stone, due to the 48-cap ace's ability to feature both at full-back and in the centre of defence.

With the Red Devils having only recently tied down Diogo Dalot to a new long-term deal – and with Aaron Wan-Bissaka also reportedly set to stay at the club this summer – it would appear that Pavard would be more needed to provide cover and competition at centre-back, however, particularly with club captain Harry Maguire believed to be on his way out.

Therefore, the former Stuttgart man could prove something of an upgrade on Victor Lindelof in that role, despite the Swede having impressed of late after starting the last nine Premier League games of the season in the absence of Lisandro Martinez.

Not only would Pavard's versatility potentially make him a better option for Ten Hag, but the £84k-per-week machine also appears to offer greater quality in an attacking sense having chipped in with eight goal contributions in all competitions this season, with Lindelof failing to register a single goal or assist.

The Bayern ace also appears to be more adept at playing out from the back as he ranks in the top 1% among his European peers for progressive passes and the top 9% for progressive carries, while the current United man ranks in just the top 41% and the bottom 48% for those same two metrics, respectively.

Perhaps more importantly, however, is Pavard's superior defensive quality as he ended the recent Bundesliga season with a strong average of 2.3 tackles and 1.5 interceptions per game from his 30 outings, with Lindelof averaging just 1.1 for both tackles and interceptions per game from his 20 Premier League appearances.

That would suggest that the signing of the perhaps "underrated" Frenchman – as described by manager, Thomas Tuchel – could provide Ten Hag with a centre-back upgrade for next season.

Zimbabwe quicks Tendai Chatara and Tinashe Panyangara are unfit, and hence have not been picked for the upcoming home Tests against Sri Lanka

ESPNcricinfo staff26-Oct-2016Zimbabwe quicks Tendai Chatara and Tinashe Panyangara are unfit, and hence have not been picked for the upcoming home Tests against Sri Lanka. Chris Mpofu, who last played a Test nearly five years ago, and uncapped seamer Carl Mumba were named in the 16-man squad. Another uncapped player – batsman Tarisai Musakanda – was picked; both Mumba and Musakanda represented Zimbabwe A against Pakistan A earlier this month.Zimbabwe Test squad

IN: Chris Mpofu, Malcolm Waller, Carl Mumba, Tarisai Musakanda
OUT: Chamu Chibhabha, Prince Masvaure, Richmond Mutumbami, Njabulo Ncube, John Nyumbu

Senior batsman Vusi Sibanda still did not find a place in the Test squad, and spinner John Nyumbu was also dropped after he went wicketless in the second Test against New Zealand. Malcolm Waller returned to the Test side after scoring four straight half-centuries against Pakistan A in three 50-over and one first-class match.Chatara had fractured his left leg last year and healed to play the ODIs and T20s againt India at home in June 2016. He was named for the two home New Zealand Tests after that but had to pull out because of an ankle injury he picked up in the warm-up game against New Zealanders. Panyangara, on the other hand, failed to recover from his lower-back injury. Michael Chinouya was recalled at the time to play New Zealand and continued to keep his place despite picking only three wickets in three innings against them.Mumba, 21, has played 16 first-class matches for 59 wickets at an impressive average of 17.37. Musakanda, another 21-year-old, has 12 first-class matches to his name in which he has scored 607 runs at 27.59 and five fifties.Zimbabwe’s batting line-up looked more settled as Hamilton Masakadza returned after missing the second Test against New Zealand due to a back injury. But there was no place for Chamu Chibhabha, which meant it was not certain who would open with Tino Mawoyo.Test squad Graeme Cremer (capt.), Tino Mawoyo, Hamilton Masakadza, Craig Ervine, Sean Williams, Regis Chakabva, Peter Moor, Donald Tiripano, Chris Mpofu, Taurai Muzarabani, Michael Chinouya, Brian Chari, Sikandar Raza, Malcolm Waller, Carl Mumba, Tarisai Musakanda.

On Wednesday evening, Batty’s phone buzzed with the call from James Whitaker, the national selector, to tell him he was on the plane to Bangladesh

Andrew McGlashan16-Sep-2016October 22, 2003, Dhaka, 1st Test, 2nd day. Gareth Batty claims his first Test wicket: Alok Kapali, bowled shouldering arms.October 22, 2016, Chittagong, 1st Test, 3rd day. Gareth Batty claims his 12th Test wicket, a week after his 39th birthday.It is now not an impossible thought. On Wednesday evening, Batty’s phone buzzed with the call from James Whitaker, the national selector, to tell him he was on the plane to Bangladesh and, after a gap of more than 11 years, has the chance to add to his seven Test caps.”It was a bit surreal, but a great honour – it’s a great phonecall to get,” he said. “It’s never going to be a bad one one when you’re told you’re going to get on a plane to represent your country.”Ansari thumbs-up for second chance

You could forgive Zafar Ansari if he was a little careful during the Royal London Final against Warwickshire on Saturday. A year ago, a matter of hours after his maiden England call-up, he badly broke his thumb, required multiple operations, and was out for seven months.
Now he is back for the tour of Bangladesh – despite a season disjointed by further injuries – and has been boosted by the show of confidence.
“Obviously last year was deeply disappointing but it’s come around quite quickly again,” he said. “I am not extra protective of my thumb. It was a big injury, but I am looking after it and it’s been okay for a while now, and I am confident it will get through most things.”

Batty was close to a recall this time last year after Zafar Ansari, who he will now be touring alongside after the allrounder was also included in England’s 17-man squad, broke his thumb just hours after earning his first call-up for the trip to the UAE.Instead the selectors went for Samit Patel and the thought was that the last chance for Batty to rekindle his Test career had passed him by. However, another solid season for Surrey, in which he has collected 41 wickets at 31.32, has earned him selection ahead of the more prolific Jack Leach or Ollie Rayner.If Batty does make a final XI, he will be a cricket veteran in the side, if not a Test veteran. It is the gnarled experience which has helped tip the scales in his favour as England try to find a solution – albeit short term – to the challenge of competing in the spin department in Bangladesh and, although the squad has yet to be confirmed, most likely in India as well.”Until you get out there you don’t know but, certainly in the last few years, I feel I have learnt more about my game and I understand my body and bowled better more consistently,” he said. “I feel in a good place that, maybe in the younger part of my career, I didn’t feel as confident about things, or know exactly what it was going to do, so fingers crossed that stands me in good stead if I get an opportunity..”All sport is pressure but as you get older you perhaps know how better to deal with it, but it’s why we play the game. It’s about dealing with pressure and being a good performer under pressure.”Although Batty has been brought back because the selectors feel he is one of the best four spinners available, it has also been mooted that he can provide a mentoring role for the other three. England do not have a dedicated spin-bowling coach, even for back-to-back tours of the subcontinent, with Saqlain Mushtaq only scheduled to be involved for a couple of weeks during India.”We have not had any conversations about that but, whatever they require from me, I will try to deliver as best I can – anyone within the game knows that about me,” he said.”As a spinner, our country is not blessed overly with a huge amount of knowledge in that area, so if there is anything I can possibly help with in any way shape or form, I will. But I would do that if I were in an England shirt, a Surrey shirt or just my shirt at the local cricket club.”As ever with this tour of Bangladesh, the talk of security is never far away but nothing was going to stop Batty if the call came, even though he has recently become a father for the first time.”As soon as the security guys said it was okay, that was good enough. I am not somebody who is going to second-guess somebody who’s doing their job, but I totally understand people’s reservations and that is their decision. I spoke to my wife and had a quick word to my little daughter, who gave me a little dribble which I took as meaning it was okay.”If Batty returns home having helped England win a Test series, it will be quite a story to tell his daughter in the years to come.

ScorecardBen Duckett made more important runs at New Road•Getty Images

Ben Duckett continued his prolific form as Northamptonshire reignited their Royal London Cup campaign with a 23-run victory against Worcestershire at New Road. An eye-catching knock of 86 from 75 balls took the 21-year-old’s nine-day tally to 631 from seven innings for his county and England Lions but it was a close-run thing as Tom Kohler-Cadmore’s first List A century kept the home side in contention for their 320 target.It was not until the 45th over that left-arm spinner Graeme White landed the knockout blows in three balls. The dangerous Ross Whitley was caught on the long-on boundary for 22 and Kohler-Cadmore was effectively yorked for 119 after hitting 11 fours and a six from 126 balls.Duckett, fresh from his undefeated scores of 163 and 220 on international duty, returned to county action on Tuesday by making 46 in a defeat by Warwickshire at Edgbaston and then moved 35 miles down the road to lead Northants to an imposing 319 for 7.On a damp morning, skipper Alex Wakeley may have feared the worst on losing the toss for the seventh time in seven matches in the 50-over competition, but Duckett and Adam Rossington, who played equally well for 87, corrected an early wobble. Their partnership of 99 in 16 overs gave the innings shape and substance before the big hitters, Steven Crook (52 not out) and Rory Kleinveldt smashed 76 in nine overs.The late charge, which ended in the last over when Kleinveldt holed out to deep square leg after hitting two sixes and four fours, meant that for Worcestershire to win they would have to surpass their chasing record in List A cricket.They made a bold attempt. After a bright 43 by Daryl Mitchell, Kohler-Cadmore and Tom Fell broke the back of the target in a relatively trouble-free partnership of 125 in 18 overs. Northants were in need of inspiration when Richard Gleeson broke through by bowling Fell for 54, a well-crafted, unflustered innings with only four boundaries from 50 deliveries.Wickets then began to fall. White, who finished with 3 for 59, held a straightforward return catch from Alexei Kervezee and Brett D’Olveira played on to Kleinveldt. Whiteley rattled the pavilion roof with one of his two sixes but momentum was lost with White’s double intervention and the challenge petered out with the last three wickets in five balls giving Gleeson 5 for 47, his best in professional cricket.The match began 10 minutes late because of rain and Northants lost a wicket in the Joe Leach’s first over when Josh Cobb angled a catch to D’Oliveira at point. Rob Keogh and Wakely later went in quick succession and Worcestershire miss an opportunity when Jack Shantry was unable to hold a low, one-handed chance from Duckett. The batsman was then on 33 and the cost quickly multiplied until he finished with one six and 12 fours when mistiming a pull off Leach.

Journalist Conor McGilligan has questioned the Elland Road desire to see Sam Greenwood play more regularly for Leeds United.

What's the latest on Sam Greenwood and Leeds?

The 21-year-old was handed a rare chance to impress on the weekend as the Whites took on Newcastle United.

Indeed, the midfielder was handed only his third Premier League start of the season but lasted just 45 minutes before being hooked by Sam Allardyce at halftime.

In the end, Leeds had to settle for a point as they missed a penalty, gave two away, and picked up a red card in the drama-packed 2-2 draw with the Magpies.

And following the draw, when speaking about the match on the One Leeds Fan Channel, McGilligan claimed he can't understand why fans have wanted to see more of Greenwood this season.

He said (05:26): "I thought Sam [Allardyce] got it right when brought [Adam] Forshaw on for Greenwood. I don't really understand why there is a clamour all the time for Greenwood.

“Fans seem to think he's the next coming, above Marc Roca, which I'll never ever in my life understand. But it is what it is.”

How bad was Greenwood against Newcastle?

There certainly has been a bit of interest in seeing more of Greenwood in recent weeks. Even ahead of the game, Allardyce was asked specifically if the midfielder would play against Newcastle.

He said in his press conference: “Everyone has trained well enough to be involved. We will make a couple of changes against Newcastle but you’ll have to wait and see when we name the team."

In the end, though, it's safe to say the £30k-p/w midfielder didn't really take his chance. Indeed, in the player rating for LeedsLive, he got a 5/10 and journalist Beren Cross wrote: "Struggled. A few rushes of blood to the head."

In comparison, he said of Adam Forshaw who came on for Greenwood during the break: "Didn't see a huge amount from him as Newcastle tried to pen the hosts in. Some composure and solid tackles towards the end."

What's more, across the span of the league season, his average match rating on WhoScored is down at 6.31 – which ranks him 22nd out of 29 Leeds players.

During his brief display on Saturday, Greenwood only managed to complete two of his attempted eight passes (25%) and managed to lose possession 10 times (via SofaScore).

With that being the case, it's not hard to see why McGilligan has his doubts about the player and it remains unclear if Allardyce will turn to him again in the final two games of the season after this underwhelming cameo.

يلتقي فريق ريال مدريد مع نظيره برشلونة في كلاسيكو كأس السوبر الإسباني، بعد تخطي الفريقين للدور نصف النهائي.

وتأهل ريال مدريد إلى نهائي كأس السوبر الإسباني، بعد تفوقه بخماسية مقابل ثلاثة أهداف على ملعب الأول بارك، في نصف النهائي على حساب أتلتيكو مدريد.

ريال مدريد تاهل لنهائي السوبر للمرة الثانية على التوالي، بعدما خسر الموسم الماضي من برشلونة.

طالع أيضًا.. تشافي: مواجهة أوساسونا ليست سهلة.. والدوري السعودي أصبح أكثر أهمية

ويشارك ريال مدريد في البطولة هذا الموسم باعتباره بطل كأس ملك إسبانيا، بينما أتلتيكو مدريد ثالث الدوري الإسباني.

ويلتقي ريال مدريد مع برشلونة بعد فوز الأخير على أوساسونا بهدفين دون مقابل، مساء الخميس في نصف النهائي. موعد مباراة نهائي كأس السوبر الإسباني

مباراة النهائي بين ريال مدريد وبرشلونة ستقام يوم الأحد المقبل 14 يناير، في تمام التاسعة مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة، العاشرة مساءً بتوقيت السعودية.

Leeds United know full well that they need to start picking up points. With results going awry over the weekend, and big rivals having picked up key points, the Whites know that a loss tonight against Liverpool would condemn them to a terrifying final seven games of this season amongst the strugglers.

It seems that with the conclusion of his campaign speedily approaching, some teams like AFC Bournemouth are thriving, and the likes of Everton and Leicester City are sinking. The main goal should be to just stay above the latter, and Javi Gracia will know that securing a result against a side like the Reds will go a long way towards achieving that.

Also, the confidence that avoiding defeat could provide would be instrumental in lifting spirits after their miserable 5-1 drubbing at Crystal Palace last week.

The only upside to facing the Reds tonight is that Jurgen Klopp's men are far from the unstoppable machine they have been in the past, showing plenty of deficiencies that have resulted in their tumultuous year.

Gracia could seek to exploit that, focusing mainly on the struggling Virgil van Dijk to extract some joy.

In front of a raucous Elland Road crowd, who will cheer every offensive action, high press and tough tackle, there are few who embody all three of these characteristics more than Rodrigo, who must return.

Will Rodrigo play vs Liverpool?

Having enjoyed his finest goalscoring season yet in the Premier League, with 11 goals to his name already, this coincides well with the loss of form of the hulking Dutchman.

It seems that since returning from that fateful ACL injury, the 31-year-old has been just slightly off the pace in his defensive interactions. As such, he has endured some questionable high-profile blunders, drawing ridicule.

Jason Cundy even took to talkSPORT to brutally rip into the Champions League winner, claiming: "He has this languished style of run, he seems to try and bide time but doesn't react. I think he has had a good 18 months.

"People compare him to John Terry and Rio Ferdinand but he cannot lace their boots."

That is not to suggest he has been poor this season, as a 7.04 average rating is more than respectable. It just marks a large drop-off from the 7.26 the year earlier, suggesting there are now glaring weaknesses to his game.

This will likely have piqued the interest of Rodrigo, who seeks to add to his already impressive year in front of goal. With a sharp turn of pace and intelligent movement to boot, the £100k-per-week finisher has been inevitable at times this season with his proficiency.

Sky Sports man Aaron McClean had praised the 32-year-old for performance during a key result to secure survival last season. He had noted that the forward was a "livewire", and that kind of quality could be key again today.

If he is to be paired with Patrick Bamford tonight, as Gracia seeks to apply further pressure to their opponent's weak spots, the Spaniard could be key in driving his team forward and spurring on the crowd. Anything more than a loss tonight can be deemed a success, but there'll be a quiet confidence that the hosts can snatch all three points.