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Leo Messi has agreed a deal in principle to join Inter Miami, in what could represent a first defeat for the burgeoning Saudi Pro League's new era. The Argentine great had huge offers from both since the conclusion of his contract with Paris Saint-Germain, but it is understood he is being swayed by the prospect of a legacy in the United States, as well as his family's preference to live in the Florida city. Also of attraction were a prospective deal with Apple, who are huge broadcast backers of Major League Soccer. There is an argument that Messi could prove a transformative figure for the competition in the guise of Pele in the 1970s, although now where football is fast becoming the USA's fourth most popular sport, and ahead of the hosting of the 2026 World Cup. The Argentine's plan is currently to play in that and defend the trophy. That hasn't totally locked out the possibility of eventually playing in the Saudi Pro League and there was still a certain nervousness in Inter Miami that no deal is done until it is signed. The Messis have told those in Saudi Arabia that, even if they go with MLS now, they would be willing to return to negotiations in future. The 35-year-old has already faced criticism as regards "sportswashing" for being an ambassador for Saudi Tourism. Read More Why has Saudi Arabia become big player in world sport and what does future hold? Where might Lionel Messi go next after Paris St Germain spell ends? First Lionel Messi, now Sergio Ramos – Veteran defender waves goodbye to PSG

The 20% reduction is the result of targeting organised crime gangs and repeat offenders, police said.

Adam Idah will head into Euro 2024 qualifier battle with Greece and Gibraltar grateful for both the help and competition provided by two strikers at opposite ends of their careers. The 22-year-old Republic of Ireland frontman has spent much of the last four seasons fighting Teemu Pukki for a place in the Norwich starting line-up, and now faces a major challenge from Brighton’s teenage sensation Evan Ferguson on the international front. However Idah, who made his Canaries debut as an 18-year-old and won his first senior cap for Ireland a little more than a year later, has not been daunted by either battle. Asked about Pukki’s influence on his fledgling career as the 33-year-old Finland international prepares to leave Norwich this summer, he said: “Teemu was massive to me since I came in. “When I first came to Norwich I wasn’t playing many games, and I was really frustrated, but he helped me through that. “Looking back now, it was stupid of me to be frustrated as he was scoring all these goals, but even off the pitch he helped me, (showing me) what to do outside of football. “On the pitch, he was fantastic. He’s a great player to look up to with all the goals he has scored in championships and the Premier League. He is a great professional.” I just have to be the best I can to get in Republic of Ireland and Norwich striker Adam Idah Pukki’s impending exit after scoring 88 goals in 210 appearances over his five years at Carrow Road presents Idah with an opportunity next season, with boss David Wagner needing to plug a sizeable gap, and it is one he is determined to take. He said: “Every new season is a big opportunity for me. Obviously it was difficult – when he was at Norwich, he was the main man and next season is going to be a big one for me to try to get myself in the team. “But I think me and the manager know it’s going to be a good opportunity for me to try to become the main striker at Norwich. I just have to be the best I can to get in.” In the meantime, Idah’s task is to force his way into Stephen Kenny’s team for the trip to Athens on June 16 and Gibraltar’s visit to Dublin three days later, a process which has become more difficult as a result of Ferguson’s breakthrough season in the Premier League. The 18-year-old made 19 league appearances and scored six goals as the Seagulls secured European football for the first time in the club’s history, and also opened his senior international account – something Idah is yet to do – in March’s 3-2 friendly win over Latvia. Speaking from Ireland’s warm-weather training camp in Antalya, Turkey, Idah said: “He’s had an unbelievable season at Brighton. In every team, you need some friendly competition for all of us. “There’s not just Evan, there’s five of us forwards all chasing for the same spot and I think we’re all doing everything in the right way. We help each other achieve in the right way to the best we can. “Whoever starts in any game, I think we all support each other and try to do the best we can. That’s what so good about this team – there’s no ego in this team and we all try to help each other.”

Leeds have been charged with failing to control their crowd after a fan confronted Newcastle boss Eddie Howe at Elland Road during a recent Premier League game. The fan was charged with assault by West Yorkshire Police and banned for life by Leeds after he entered the technical area to remonstrate with Howe during last month’s 2-2 draw. The FA said on its spokesperson Twitter site: “Leeds United has been charged with misconduct in relation to crowd control that occurred during its Premier League game against Newcastle United FC on Saturday 13 May 2023. “It’s alleged that the club failed to ensure its spectators and/or supporters – and anyone purporting to be its supporters or followers – conduct themselves in an orderly fashion and don’t use words or behave in an improper, offensive, violent, threatening, abusive or insulting or provocative way. “Leeds United FC has until Wednesday 14 June 2023 to provide a response.” Howe said after the game that his confrontation should act as a wake-up call for those responsible for the safety of players and staff. “I actually can’t remember whether he pushed me or not, I’ve got no idea, it’s such a strange thing because you’re concentrating on the game and you don’t expect it to happen,” Howe said. “He confronted me, said something that I can’t repeat and was then led away. “I’m OK, moments like that do make you think about the safety of staff and players is paramount for me at any matches in the Premier League and Football League. We need to be mindful, security is so important. “I don’t know if I had time to be fearful because it was over in a flash but it certainly makes you think ‘what if’ and I think it is moments like this that should make people look and analyse how we can improve safety for staff and players.” West Yorkshire Police later confirmed that the man had been charged with assault and will appear before magistrates on July 21. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Sheikh Jassim wants answer by Friday after submitting final bid for Man Utd London Irish file for administration after suspension from all club competitions Beatriz Haddad Maia claims historic victory to reach French Open semi-finals

The Minnesota Twins lost the first of three games in Tampa Bay on Tuesday, 7-0, how will the AL Central leading team respond on Wednesday evening?Minnesota will hope Pablo Lopez can get the team back on track against MLB's best team the Rays on Wednesday. Lopez has had an up-and-down this s...

What a difference an offseason can make. The New England Patriots are hoping that a familiar face can revive their young quarterback and a stagnant offense.The transition from a quarterback who helped lead the team to six Super Bowl titles was not expected to be easy. The New England Patriots ar...

Italy is preparing restrictions on Pirelli SpA’s top shareholder, China’s Sinochem, including limits to its say over company

Sheikh Jassim has submitted an improved fifth and final bid for Manchester United – and wants an answer by Friday, the PA news agency understands. The club announced in November that the board was exploring strategic alternatives to enhance the club’s growth, with a full sale one option being considered. Current owners, the Glazer family, are said to value United at £6billion and the Raine Group was brought in to oversee the process. Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim both publicly confirmed initial offers after the February 17 soft deadline for expressions of interest, then another by the second deadline of March 22. That was eventually extended by a few days and Raine asked interested parties for their third and final bids on April 28. Talk has increased over the subsequent 40 days that Ratcliffe and INEOS have emerged as favourites to take over at United, despite Sheikh Jassim placing a fourth bid last month. Now the PA news agency understands the Qataris this week lodged a fifth and final bid, along with sending a warning that patience is wearing thin. The fifth offer remains for 100 per cent of the club and Sheikh Jassim’s bid team have set Friday as a deadline to make headway in discussions. While Sheikh Jassim’s offer is understood to remain after that point, the end of the week would mark the end of their ongoing engagement in the process. This is a crunch period on and off the field for United, who won the Carabao Cup, finished third in the Premier League and lost Saturday’s FA Cup final in Erik ten Hag’s first season in charge. Co-owner Avram Glazer was at Wembley for Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Manchester City and ignored questions about the takeover as he left through the interview area. Asked about the potential takeover and summer improvements, United boss Ten Hag said: “I think in this moment I don’t want to discuss that. “It’s about finalising the season. We have to be quiet, analyse the season, go into the depth, then set the right conclusions and then take action. It’s about that. “Of course, during the season you continually make your considerations and already some actions are into process. “But, yeah, now the season is finished and the conclusion all over is we played a brilliant season.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live London Irish file for administration after suspension from all club competitions Beatriz Haddad Maia claims historic victory to reach French Open semi-finals David Warner out for 43 just before lunch on day one of World Test Championship

Ednaldo Rodrigues, president of Brazil's football federation, insists the multi-time World Cup winners have not given up their pursuit of Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti.

US mortgage applications for home purchases fell for a fourth week as 30-year fixed rates held close to

After the Finals are over, NBA fans are in for a wild offseason. Trade rumors are already buzzing about huge star players like Chris Paul, Karl-Anthony Towns, Damian Lillard, the No. 3 pick and basically every member of the Toronto Raptors. In free agency, we have stars like Kyrie Irving, James Hard...

Today's USMNT rumors include Christian Pulisic being linked with AC Milan. Juventus are interested in Timothy Weah andMarseille wants to send Konrad de la Fuente out on loan.USMNT rumors: Christian Pulisic to AC MilanChristian Pulisic at a recent press conference was quoted on Sky Sports sa...