The transfer window is always a stressful time for managers and owners, but Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has suffered a huge disappointment

Sir Jim Ratcliffe suffered a thoroughly disappointing Friday after witnessing two potential deals fall through in rapid succession.

The Manchester United co-owner also holds a majority stake in French side Nice, an arrangement he had been keen to conclude as takeover talks intensified. It is understood that an American consortium had been engaged in advanced discussions over acquiring the club, who narrowly escaped relegation on the final day of the campaign.

Ratcliffe and INEOS had set a strict deadline of June 15 to complete a sale, but Nice Matin, via Get Football News France, report that the deal has now fallen apart completely.

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The potential purchasers had reached the stage of visiting Nice’s training facility. However, at the final moment they were unable to furnish the required financial guarantees and sporting stability commitments.

Ratcliffe purchased the club through INEOS in 2019 but has become progressively more distant since finalising his investment into Manchester United at the close of 2023.

The petrochemicals magnate has gone as far as to publicly acknowledge he derives little enjoyment from watching the Ligue 1 outfit, a view that has left supporters increasingly dismayed with the club’s direction, reports the Express.

Last year, Ratcliffe conceded: “I don’t particularly enjoy going to watch Nice because there are some good players, but the level of football is not high enough for me to get excited.”

Having already lowered his asking price in an attempt to secure a sale, it now appears increasingly probable that Nice will remain under INEOS ownership when the 2026/27 season kicks off. Off the pitch, considerable changes are needed following a disastrous campaign that came close to ending in relegation from Ligue 1.

Former Leicester and Southampton boss Claude Puel stepped in on a temporary basis last season, but looks unlikely to be handed the role permanently. L’Equipe report that Nice had approached Liam Rosenior, hoping to entice him back to French football following his turbulent spell at Chelsea.

Rosenior had built his reputation in the country while managing Strasbourg, before making the move to Chelsea at the start of 2026. However, he lasted just four months at Stamford Bridge and is now seeking a complete break from football.

On a more positive note for Ratcliffe, United’s summer transfer window strategy is moving forward smoothly after reaching an agreement to sign Ederson from Atalanta. The club are willing to invest further, with competition heating up for Mateus Fernandes.

United have identified the West Ham star as a primary target, and the path to securing his signature has cleared following Arsenal’s refusal to meet his £80m valuation.

Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package

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Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.

Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.

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Finnian passed away after his brave battle with cancer earlier this year

Hope Street has announced it will pay tribute to late star Finnian Garbutt in its first-ever film.

The Co Down drama, which follows the life of police officers in the fictional town of Port Devine, has announced filming will begin for its first feature-length special ‘One of Our Own’ this week.

This special film will also include scenes filmed with Finnian Garbutt, who died earlier this year after his battle with cancer.

The 28-year-old, from Bangor, became a beloved face on the show since joining the cast in 2023 as PC Ryan Power.

Finnian spotted a lump behind his ear at the end of 2020 but thought it was an ingrown hair – when lockdown eased and he was able to return to his barber shop for a haircut, he became concerned when his barber noticed the lump had grown “quite substantially.”

At 25, he was diagnosed with malignant melanoma and has used his platform to speak out and raise awareness in other young people.

He passed away peacefully surrounded by his family in April and is remembered as the “greatest husband, father, son, brother, and friend we could ever ask for”.

Comedians Paddy Raff and Tim McGarry will make their Hope Street debuts in the fictional town of Port Devine, as they guest star as The Commodore’s new chef and barman Malcolm McQueen and Port Devine’s minister the Reverend Dodds.

The one-off film special is a co-commission between BBC Northern Ireland, BBC Daytime, Northern Ireland Screen and BritBox.

It will air on BBC One Northern Ireland and BBC Daytime later this autumn following a theatrical release in cinemas across Northern Ireland in September 2026, with further cinematic releases across the UK in October 2026.

The story opens with a violent crime committed against a much-loved local and the police investigation brings bad news for Detective Sergeant Marlene Pettigrew. Love is also in the air and there’s a wedding to plan, but this is Port Devine, what could possibly go wrong?

The feature film has been written by Paul Marquess, who said: “How brilliant to be shooting Hope Street The Movie!

“Hope Street has always celebrated Northern Ireland wit, wisdom and talent – and One Of Our Own will continue that tradition.

“It’s a joy to rejoin our friends in Port Devine and to get to work with our hugely talented cast and crew once again.”

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

The 193rd Durham Regatta got underway in dry but windy conditions on the city Racecourse as hundreds of crews from junior scullers to heavyweight senior eights took to the river in back-to-back races from breakfast time on Saturday to early evening on Sunday. 

As ever, most races were over the short 700-metre course, from Pelaw Wood to just beyond Baths Bridge.

Rowing action on the River Wear in Durham this weekend at the 193rd year of the Durham Regatta (Image: Chris Booth)

But some senior crews were also taking part in the more endurance-sapping 1,800m course, from Pelaw Wood to the Counts House.

Durham Regatta 2026 (Image: Chris Booth)

The packed racing programme was complemented by the many bankside counter attractions, designed to entertain all ages.

Durham Regatta 2026 (Image: Chris Booth)

There was a rolling programme of musical performances taking to the Racecourse bandstand and the usual classic car show on the adjoining playing fields.

Single sculler in action at the Durham Regatta (Image: Chris Booth)

Providing the heavens don’t open as Sunday progresses the event is expected to have attracted about 10,000 spectators over the course of the two days, featuring about 1,400 competitors from crews mostly from northern England, but some from further afield, including Scandinavia and the Netherlands. 

Spectators on the riverbanks at Durham Regatta (Image: Chris Booth)

The regatta’s roots were in the annual flotilla of boats down the river to mark the Duke of Wellington’s victory at the Battle of Waterloo, in 1815, staged on the anniversary, June 16, each year.

Durham Regatta 2026 (Image: Chris Booth)

 Following the founding of Durham University in 1833 the event transformed from a river pageant into the competitive rowing regatta, akin to what is seen even to this day, from 1834. 

It is acknowledged as being the country’s second oldest rowing regatta, after Chester, but five years older than its more famous ‘cousin’, Henley Regatta, on the River Thames.

Durham Regatta 2026 (Image: Chris Booth)

This year there were 60 trophies to be won in the various categories, but the blue riband event remained the Grand Challenge Cup for elite fours crews, which usually reaches a finale mid-to-late afternoon on Sunday (June 14). 

Durham Regatta 2026 (Image: Chris Booth)

The best vantage points are on the Regatta Enclosure, on the Racecourse, where most of the food and drink stalls are located.

 Read more Durham City stories from The Northern Echo, by clicking here

It is open to the public from 8am to 8pm on both days, but from 7am for competitors. 

There is a charge for spectators, but with reductions for over 65s and children aged five to 16, while accompanied under-fives are admitted free of charge. 

Further information about the racing programme and other attractions is available via the regatta website, :  https://durham-regatta.org.uk/ 

The Bolton-born manager is now helping build a community at Atherton‘s Witch Tap House after the venue reopened following a six-figure refurbishment.

Liz, from Heaton, took over as manager shortly before it reopened in December.

The venue, formerly known as The Pendle Witch, has been given a new look as owners sought to create a more relaxed and community-focused pub.

After more than 30 years working in hospitality, Liz said it is the people who keep her passionate about the industry.

Inside the pub after its refurb. (Image: Liz Berry)

Liz said: “I started behind bars when I was 21 in Bolton town centre and just absolutely loved it.

“I love talking to people, I love watching people when they’re on nights out, and it’s just, I can have a night out without getting drunk, and I love it, absolutely love it.”

The pub reopened on December 22 following extensive renovation work.

The refurbishment included a new extension, a redesigned bar area and improvements to the outdoor seating space.

The venue now focuses on cask ales, conversation and community events rather than loud live entertainment.

Liz added: “That community thing that pubs have is it for me.

“It brings people together. Your regular customers, they become almost family. You know more about them than the hairdresser does. They tell you everything.”

The Witch Tap House is owned by Moorhouse’s Brewery.

Outside. (Image: Liz Berry)

Liz said the aim was to return the pub to its roots as a traditional cask ale venue while creating a welcoming environment for all ages.

The pub offers five cask ales alongside lagers, wines and alcohol-free drinks.

Dogs are welcome and customers can also make use of board games while enjoying a drink.

Liz added: “We’re trying to keep it a nice pub where people can come and just relax and have a conversation, rather than turning it into a late-night venue.”

The pub currently hosts a weekly quiz night on Wednesdays, acoustic music every Sunday and a Monday club offering discounts on cask ales.

The front of the pub in a ‘thriving’ district. (Image: Liz Berry)

Liz said business had been thriving since the reopening and praised Atherton’s strong pub scene.

She added: “I’ve come over to Atherton and somebody was telling me the other day there’s actually 19 pubs in Atherton that are all going concerns.

“If you come into Atherton, every block nearly has got a pub on it. It is thriving.”

Wigginton Road Level Crossing will close for works from 11pm on Monday (June 15) to 6am on Tuesday (June 16).

This, City of York Council, is to ensure all works are carried out safely.

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An alternative route for diverted vehicles will be signed via Wigginton Road, Haxby Road and the A1237, and traffic signs and barriers will be in place to direct motorists.

Haxby Road Level Crossing will close from 11.59pm on Monday (June 22) and 5.15am on Tuesday (June 23) (Image: Google Maps)

Later this month, Haxby Road Level Crossing will also close to road users.

The works are set to take place between 11.59pm on Monday (June 22) and 5.15am on Tuesday (June 23).

An alternative route for motorists will be signed during this period via York Road, The Village, Mill Lane, Wigginton Road and the A1237.

For further information please contact: highway.regulation@york.gov.uk

Boris Johnson and Nigel Farage should “hang their heads in shame” for the damage they caused to Britain by leading the campaign that saw it leave the EU, Michael Heseltine has claimed.

The former Conservative deputy prime minister said that 10 years on from the EU referendum the “bankruptcy” of their claims that Brexit would bring huge benefits to the UK had been exposed and led voters to believe that it should be reversed.

The British public had been “lied” to in a “heinous crime”, Lord Heseltine, who served under John Major and Margaret Thatcher’s governments, writes for The Independent after it launched its Europe – The Way Back campaign.

Brexit was a “self imposed disaster” and it is time for Britain to “reclaim our traditional role as a major European nation” and rejoin the EU.

His intervention comes after a stark new poll reveals that nearly half of the British public want a second Brexit referendum, including a fifth of voters from Mr Farage’s party Reform UK.

The study by Ipsos, King’s College London and UK in a Changing Europe found much of the public was open to rapprochement with the EU, with almost half backing a closer relationship and 60 per cent wanting more co-operation on defence.

The number of people who say Brexit is going worse than they had predicted has almost doubled in the past five years, from 27 per cent in 2021 to 48 per cent today – more than those saying it was going as well as or better than expected.

Passionate pro European Lord Heseltine said it was telling that few of those who led the Brexit campaign now claim it has been a success.

“Where are the paeons of praise to Brexit from Boris Johnson, Michael Gove, Nigel Farage, Dominic Cummings and their accomplices for the land of milk and honey they told us it would deliver?’ he writes.

“Never have so few done so much damage to so many with so little ability to execute what they lied about.

“They don’t normally hold back from giving their opinions. The reason is obvious I would suggest: their scandalously false prospectus has turned to dust and ashes.‘They are the guilty men and should hang their heads in shame.”

Lord Heseltine accuses prominent Brexiteers such as Mr Johnson and Mr Farage of “walking away from their heinous political crime”. Instead they offered “feeble excuses as to why all their bold promises of more jobs, more trade, more power for Britain have all proved to be a con”.

“Naturally they blame everyone but themselves. At the time of the 2016 referendum Brexit campaign leaders had dismissed warnings that it would make Britain worse off, calling such claims ‘Project Fear’,” said Lord Heseltine.

He continued: “But those warnings turned out to be true. Now “Project Fear” has become “Project Here.”

“Promises that cutting ties with Brussels would make the UK better off had come to nothing”, he argues.

“Years later public opinion has come to realise the bankruptcy of those claims. The mood has changed and reflects a majority in favour of rejoining. The present government is making hesitant approaches to move in that direction but the fear of the extreme right is acting like a ball and chain on our political classes.

“We should reclaim our traditional role as a major European nation. We should do so in the interests of growing generations of our young people. We should do it in our interests as a nation state with limited resources. As a European partner we can compete with the world’s largest economies.

“Brexit was a self imposed disaster for this country. It erected barriers between our manufacturing and service industries and our largest market. In a range of cultural, artistic, environmental and academic policies. It left our diplomats waiting in the corridors to learn what decisions were being taken with profound consequences for us.”

Ciara Mageean has opened up about her stage four bowel cancer diagnosis, embracing gallows humour as she continues to fight the illness

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Irish Olympian Ciara Mageean has opened up about her experience coming to terms with a stage four cancer diagnosis.

The athlete received the devastating news last year that she had bowel cancer, with a consultant delivering the heartbreaking prognosis on Christmas Eve that she may only have two to three years left to live.

Since undergoing chemotherapy, the Portaferry woman has received more positive updates, with the majority of her cancer cells found to have become inactive. Having recently completed a further six cycles of chemotherapy, Ciara is resolute that the illness will not consume her entire life.

“Stressing and worrying about it isn’t going to change it,” she told the Irish Times. “You’re so entitled to those emotions obviously. But you could lose yourself to it.

“I don’t know what this journey is going to look like. I don’t know at what point I’m going to get sick. As soon as I got that diagnosis, I felt like the grim reaper was on my shoulder and I didn’t know if I was going to be dead in a matter of months.

“[Her long term partner] Tommy and I are engaged but we’ve never had any rush on the wedding. But now I was like, ‘Do we need to get a move on here?’”.

“Because I don’t want to be that girl who looks like a skeleton on her wedding day. Or having to be in a hospital bed with Tommy beside me and me in a wedding dress in the hospital bed. I want it to be a normal day.”

While Ciara continues to come to terms with the harsh reality of her situation, she has also found a way to use dark humour to help her through the toughest of times.

“I’ll be sitting on the couch and I’ll be like, ‘F**k. I might be dead in two years.’ I certainly won’t … well, I don’t want to say certainly but I probably won’t make my 40th birthday. Like, that’s f**king rough,” she said.

“But we’re planning this wedding and I can’t help but think, ‘The poor lad’s going to be left a widower in his 30s.’ And then I’m like, ‘Sure then he’s going to be a bit old! It’s going to be hard for him to find a new partner!’ I say to him, ‘Here, you can’t move on from me too fast …’”.

“People probably are like, ‘I can’t believe you’re saying that.’ But I need to make light of it. It helps cope with the genuine worry that I’m going to leave him on his own.

“We’ve been together for 13 years and you think that you’re going to have your whole life together.”

Poppleton Beer Festival is gearing up for the last instalment of its 14th annual event, held at the village football club in Millfield Lane, Nether Poppleton, today (Saturday, June 13).

Visitors can try 66 different beers from the likes of Oakham, Titanic, Brew York, New Bristol, Trig, Bini, Timothy Taylor’s and more.

The popular beer festival is now in its 14th year (Image: Poppleton Beer Festival)

These are complimented by 11 keg beers (for £5 a pint), including lager, pilsner, sour, NEIPA and stout, plus ciders, Pimm’s, prosecco, wine and gin.

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Live bands – including The 40 Thieves Band – are set to perform throughout the day, which will begin at 12pm and last until 11pm.

Visitors can try 66 different beers on offer, including 11 keg beers for £5 a pint (Image: Poppleton Beer Festival)

The day, which is set to remain dry with highs of 17 degrees Celsius, has been organised for all the family to enjoy – with lots of activities including a climbing wall, inflatables, tunnels, football darts, games and stalls for the children.

Visitors can bring along a chair and picnic blanket to enjoy the day – and are advised to being something warm for later in the evening when temperatures will cool.

Live bands, including The 40 Thieves Band, will be performing until 11pm (Image: Poppleton Beer Festival)

Tickets are still available for £14 per adult, with children under 10 going free.

They can be found here.