Shocking Revelation: Sir Jim Ratcliffe Disputes Manchester United's Sensational Casemiro Move - Exclusive Insider Story!

All the top stories and transfer rumours from Wednesday's newspapers...

THE GUARDIAN

Sir Jim Ratcliffe expressed concerns about Manchester United's transfer strategy during his visit to Old Trafford in March. He specifically criticized the acquisition of veteran midfielder Casemiro, deeming it as questionable recruitment.

Following allegations of indecent assault against a female staff member during a tournament in South Africa, Shadreck Mlauzi, the head coach of the Zimbabwe women's team, has been placed under police custody.

Stephen Maguire's shock decision to step down as UK Athletics chief came about following months of bickering and tension over budgets ahead of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

DAILY TELEGRAPH

The board of Manchester United is unlikely to reach a final decision regarding Sir Jim Ratcliffe's 25 percent purchase of the club at their Thursday meeting. However, it is highly probable that the deal will be approved within the next two weeks.

Newcastle United is prepared for Sandro Tonali, their summer signing, to receive a substantial playing ban due to an ongoing investigation into illegal betting in Italy. This investigation has already resulted in Nicolo Fagioli serving a year-long suspension, of which he will have to serve seven months.

Despite owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe being close to acquiring a 25 percent stake in Manchester United, Ineos will maintain their partnership with Tottenham Hotspur.

According to Springbok legend Joel Stransky, who won the World Cup in 1995, South Africa is expected to convincingly defeat England in the upcoming semi-final on Saturday. Stransky believes that Steve Borthwick's team lacks excellence in any particular area.

Dina Asher-Smith is seeking answers following the unexpected exit of Stephen Maguire, the technical director of UK Athletics. Maguire had played a key role in Great Britain's outstanding performance at the World Championships earlier this year, where they achieved a record-equalling accomplishment.

Alex Hartley, a former England spinner, is about to break new ground as she prepares to coach a men's team. She will take on the position of specialist spin coach with Multan Sultans, a team in the Pakistan Super League.

THE TIMES

Liverpool are waiting on results of a scan which could decide whether Andrew Robertson needs surgery on a dislocated shoulder that could rule him out for up to four months.

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Liverpool defender Andy Robertson was injured in Scotland's defeat in Spain last week

DAILY MAIL

Premier League clubs are making arrangements to provide assistance to their Belgian and Swedish players upon their return from the international match in Brussels. The match had to be called off due to the tragic incident of two supporters being killed in the city.

During England's practice sessions before their matches against Australia and Italy, Harry Kane had the opportunity to bid farewell to his former Tottenham teammates and acquaintances from the staff at his old training ground.

Sheffield United Women's manager, Jonathan Morgan, has relinquished his position with the team amid an ongoing investigation into a formal complaint regarding his alleged behavior.

Paolo Di Canio disclosed that he declined an offer to serve as Roberto Mancini's assistant for the Saudi Arabia national team.

Cristiano Ronaldo's transfer to Saudi Arabia has caused a significant drop in his ranking from first to 27th among sport's most marketable stars. The list is now led by his rival Lionel Messi, followed by LeBron James. Lucy Bronze from England is ranked 15th, while Harry Kane holds the 22nd position.

Paul Parker has criticized football YouTuber Mark Goldbridge, accusing him of contributing to Manchester United's issues. Parker claims that Goldbridge does not genuinely support the club he claims to, but instead, he is a fan of Nottingham Forest.

Newcastle has firmly stated that they will not entertain any approach made by Manchester United for their sporting director Dan Ashworth. Ashworth has been mentioned as a potential addition to the anticipated restructuring of the backroom staff at Old Trafford.

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Newcastle United sporting director Dan Ashworth commenced his role at the club in June 2022

DAILY MIRROR

N'Golo Kante has spoken out in favour of the Saudi Pro League, where he now plays for Al Ittihad, amid reports emerging a host of high-priced stars are unhappy in the Kingdom.

THE SUN

Chelsea may choose to relocate from Stamford Bridge, even though they have acquired a small parcel of land behind the West Stand, which was seen as a significant step towards expanding their current stadium.

Following the Netherlands' 1-0 victory over Greece at the OPAP Arena in Athens, both Virgil van Dijk and Wout Weghorst expressed their dissatisfaction with the state of the pitch. Van Dijk described it as "terrible," while Weghorst labeled it the "worst pitch" he had ever played on.

DAILY STAR

Manchester United have reportedly told Mason Greenwood he has no future at Old Trafford regardless of how well he performs during a loan spell in Spain with Getafe.

Rangers midfielder Todd Cantwell has revealed he almost quit football after being relegated to the U23 side at his former club Norwich City.

DAILY EXPRESS

Thiago Silva is remaining tight-lipped on his future amid reports that he could bring an end to his time at Chelsea and re-join Fluminense.

DAILY RECORD

Celtic are contemplating recruiting Andriy Lunin from Real Madrid as a potential long-term replacement for Joe Hart, whose contract will expire next summer.

While content at Celtic, Cameron Carter-Vickers remains open to the possibility of making another attempt to succeed in the Premier League if a suitable offer arises.