Vanessa Gold, daughter of former West Ham chair David Gold, has reached an agreement to sell her family's shares in the club to a consortium led by Amanda Staveley, the former co-owner of Newcastle. The Gold family trust owns 25.1% of the shares in the Championship club, who were relegated from the Premier League last season.I have now reached an agreement to sell my family's shareholding to a consortium of PCP Capital Partners, led by Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi, in partnership with Ashland Forest Capital Partners, Gold said in a statement on Saturday.This sale remains subject to a pre-emption process, under which existing shareholders have the option to buy the shares instead. While the process has not yet concluded, I wanted to be open with our fans about where things stand and my intentions.David Sullivan is the club's biggest shareholder, with 38.8%. Czech businessman Daniel Kretinsky, through 1890s Holdings, owns 27% and would have become the majority shareholder had an agreement to buy a 16% portion of the Gold family's shares gone through.On the 12th June Daniel Kretinsky and I agreed a sale ... unfortunately, since that time the original deal and other alternatives that we have discussed could not be brought to fruition, Gold said.A spokesperson for Kretinsky released a statement in response which read: The agreement we had reached with the Gold family in June provided stability for the club at a crucial time. Today's announcement does the opposite.We will always act in the best interests of West Ham United and are reviewing all of our options, including exercising our pre-emption rights in full. Staveley and her firm PCP Capital Partners had played a key role in helping Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) take over Newcastle in 2021, with the businesswoman and herhusband Ghodoussi shareholders until 2024.The Consortium will bring deep experience and understanding of what it takes to lead a successful football club, and I have every confidence in what they can bring to West Ham, Gold added.David Gold was joint chairman of the Hammers for 13 years alongside business partner David Sullivan. Gold died in 2023.Reuters

[Getty Images]Chelsea's newest signing Danny Welbeck says he feels "really honoured" to pen a two-year deal after already having "fantastic conversations" with his new manager Xabi Alonso.The 35-year-old forward, who has parted ways with Brighton after nearly six years of service, arrives at Stamford Bridge with 400 Premier League appearances and 42 England caps under his belt."When you hear of interest from Chelsea, it is something that fills you with such immense pride," Welbeck said. "Knowing the history of Chelsea, it is a club that wants to win trophies and is pushing to do that every single season."I'm really honoured to come to a club of this stature at what feels like a really exciting time. I know a few of the boys already, and I've had fantastic conversations with the manager, so I already feel that connection."I've got that fire in my belly. I'm ready to give everything for this club to make everyone at Chelsea, and the supporters, proud."Welbeck will join up with Alonso's squad as their pre-season tour moves on to Hong Kong.

Aaron Donald's potential return to the Los Angeles Rams will not be decided while they are in training camp, but coach Sean McVay said the defensive lineman's status is "going in the right direction." "If theres an arrow, its trending upwards," McVay said Friday following the Rams' first practice in full pads. The Rams are currently working out at Loyola Marymount University through Aug. 6, but McVay indicated any decision on Donald possibly ending his retirement would not come until they return to their facility in the San Fernando Valley. "Thatll be something that, I think, once we get back to Woodland Hills, well have a better idea of what that timeline looks like. There wont be any decision and anything in terms of Aarons situation while were here. Thats kind of already been set out when weve talked for the past couple weeks," McVay said. Our Eric D. Williams reported in late July that Donald was leaning toward returning after multiple months of speculation. However, Williams added that Donald's decision wasn't imminent, and that the Rams didn't place a time frame for him to determine whether he wants to return. A three-time AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year and eight-time All-Pro, Donald retired in March 2024 as the Rams' career leader in sacks with 111 in 154 games. One of the most disruptive linemen in league history, he helped Los Angeles win a title following the 2021 season. Donald made game-ending defensive plays in both the NFC Championship Game and the Super Bowl. However, the Rams' trade for defensive end Myles Garrett has seemingly tempted Donald to at least consider a return. The 35-year-old Donald was photographed working out at the team's complex, and McVay has repeatedly expressed the organization's interest in welcoming him back. "Heck of a player, Hall of Fame player, one of the best to ever do it at his position," said tight end Tyler Higbee, who was Donald's teammate for eight seasons. "So, you know, we'll see. I hope he does [return], but we'll see. We'll see." Garrett, on the other hand, passed on making a pitch to Donald when he spoke with reporters earlier in the week, but expressed a willingness to play with him. "If hes here, Im going to be excited to be his teammate, his partner in crime," Garrett said on Wednesday. "I think were going to do great things. But its a difficult thing, coming back. "I think theres a lot we can learn from each other. Id love to pick his brain on the kind of things he does to attack his matchups, and I think the same could be said vice versa." The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Fabrizio Romano: Tottenham Hotspur leading the race to sign Premier League forwardTottenham Transfer News: Cody Gakpo Emerges as Major Spurs Target in 72m Liverpool TalksTottenhams summer planning appears to have moved firmly towards the forward line, with Fabrizio Romano for Men in Blazers identifying Cody Gakpo as a player to watch closely in the weeks ahead. The latest indication from the market is that Spurs are seriously exploring the Liverpool attacker, while external reporting has placed them among the leading candidates if a deal develops.After heavy spending elsewhere in the squad, Tottenhams priority now looks increasingly clear. Reinforcements have already arrived across multiple positions, and there is a growing sense that the next phase of recruitment will focus on adding quality, versatility and proven output in attack.That helps explain the attraction of Gakpo. He is comfortable from the left, capable of operating through the middle, and offers the sort of tactical flexibility clubs place a premium on in modern recruitment. For Tottenham, that profile has become more relevant following the injury setback suffered by Eli Junior Kroupi, which effectively ended any realistic chance of a move this summer.Cody Gakpo profile suits Tottenham recruitmentThe market context is important. Spurs have also been working on a separate attacking track, with Savinho regarded as a leading option for the right side. Bringing in another wide player, particularly one with Gakpos ability to cover central areas, would represent a significant statement of intent.Romanos update was brief but notable. Keep an eye on Tottenham Hotspur and Cody Gakpo in the next weeks, said Romano via Men in Blazers. They really like the player. That aligns with other industry noise suggesting Tottenhams interest is genuine and active, rather than speculative.There is no indication at this stage that an agreement is close, and that distinction matters. Interest is one thing, execution is another, particularly when dealing with a club such as Liverpool and a player who remains an established first-team option.Liverpool transfer stance sets high barThe biggest issue may be price. Reports have placed Liverpools valuation at 72m, a figure said to be based on wider market comparisons, including Anthony Gordons reported 69m move to Barcelona. Whether that number proves negotiable remains to be seen, though it certainly sets a high threshold for any suitor.Photo IMAGOFrom Liverpools side, that is understandable. Gakpo is an experienced international, entering what should still be strong years of his career, and offers depth across several attacking roles. Clubs do not part easily with players of that type unless the financial terms are compelling.For Tottenham, the decision would revolve around value as much as need. There is clear logic in targeting a player who can solve more than one problem, yet 72m is the level at which every part of the package, fee, wages and long-term fit, comes under sharper scrutiny.Tottenham transfer strategy enters key stageWhat does appear evident is that Spurs are moving decisively. Their summer has already been aggressive, and the attacking shortlist is being refined with intent. Gakpos name is firmly in that conversation, and his suitability to Tottenhams evolving squad build is easy to understand.As things stand, this is one to monitor rather than one to call. Tottenhams interest looks credible, Liverpools valuation is substantial, and the coming weeks should reveal whether admiration turns into formal action.Our ViewFrom a Tottenham supporters perspective, this feels like the sort of rumour that is exciting but also slightly difficult to fully trust until there is something more concrete. Gakpo is clearly a very good player, and there is no doubt he would improve the squad. He has quality, he can play in more than one position, and he comes with experience at a high level. All of that makes sense.At the same time, there is a natural hesitation around the figure being discussed. 72m is a huge amount, even in this market, and supporters will want to be sure that any deal at that level is absolutely right. Tottenham have already spent heavily, so there is a question over how far the club can keep pushing without compromising other areas that may still need attention.There is also the Liverpool angle. When a club values a player that highly, you have to ask whether they genuinely want to sell or whether they are simply protecting themselves in case someone comes in with an enormous offer. If it is the latter, Tottenham may find the whole process difficult.Still, if Spurs want a forward who can play left wing or centrally, there are not many available options with this level of pedigree. It might come down to whether the club see Gakpo as a market opportunity or an expensive luxury. Right now, it feels possible, but far from certain.

The San Francisco 49ers on Saturday officially announced the signing of wide receiver Deebo Samuel. In a corresponding move the 49ers placed WR Ricky Pearsall on season-ending IR as he deals with complications from the PCL injury he sustained last season. Reports first surfaced Thursday of the reunion between the 49ers and their 2019 second-round pick one year after trading him to the Washington Commanders. Samuel had a visit with the 49ers on Friday according to the NFL's transaction wire. Now he's put pen to paper on a one-year contract that could pay him up to $7 million.It appears based on wide receiver Jacob Cowing's switch from No. 19 to No. 6 that Samuel will be back in his original jersey number when he suits up for the red and gold. As for his role? That remains to be seen as the team navigates the preseason.The 49ers would ideally have Samuel work in as a third receiver behind veteran Mike Evans and rookie WR De'Zhaun Stribling who has drawn praise from Evans and quarterback Brock Purdy early in camp. If Stribling can get up to speed quickly enough to be the team's No. 2 WR, it paves the way for Samuel to fit in as a third WR where he can be deployed in ways that maximize his skill set. Last season in Washington Samuel had 72 catches for 727 yards and five touchdowns in 16 games. For his career he's up to 406 catches, 5,519 yards and 27 touchdowns. The do-everything WR has also racked up 1,218 rushing yards and 21 rushing touchdowns on 219 carries in his career, though last season he was limited to 75 yards and one touchdown on 17 attempts. Samuel figures to be on the field with the 49ers on Saturday for their second padded practice of training camp.More 49ers: Young WR trying to accomplish a feat no 49ers player has in 15 yearsThis article originally appeared on Niners Wire: He's officially back: WR Deebo Samuel signs 1-year contract with 49ers

LAUSANNE, Switzerland (AP) Lorena Wiebes won the opening stage of the Womens Tour de France on Saturday.The Dutch cyclist, who represents the SD Worx-Protime team, claimed the flat 137-kilometer (85-mile) ride that started and finished in the city of Lausanne and took the competitors past two lakes locked in the Swiss Alps.Kim Le Court crossed the finish line second, ahead of Demi Vollering, who has won multiple races this year including the Giro dItalia.I cant believe it, Wiebes said. The SD Worx-Protime team worked super-hard. Demi attacked, I thought, I need to follow. It was a super-long sprint."French rider Pauline Ferrand-Prvt, who won the race last year, finished eighth while Vuelta winner Paula Blasi was 12th.This edition, the fifth of the Womens Tour, will cover 1,175 kilometers (730 miles) over nine days. The route now heads into southern France. It features a climb of Mont Ventoux in its toughest ascent on Friday before finishing in Nice on the French Riviera two days later.Tadej Pogacar won his fifth mens Tour de France title last weekend.___AP sports: https://apnews.com/sports

In his rookie year of 2023, Falcons guard Matthew Bergeron became an instant starter. With three years under his belt, he's now getting his reward.The Falcons have announced that Bergeron has been signed to a contract extension.ESPN reports that it's a four-year, $96 million deal, with $60 million guaranteed at least for injury. (The full guarantees at signing weren't specified.)Bergeron started all 17 games in 2023 and 2024. He started 15 games in 2025, missing two.As a rookie, Bergeron was on the field for every offensive snap.He was on track for free agency or the franchise tag in 2027. Now, he is signed through 2030.Next up, presumably, will be the team's first-round pick in 2023. The guy for whom Bergeron blocks. The guy who may be the best player in all of the NFL: running back Bijan Robinson.

PHILADELPHIA Makai Lemons adjustment to the Philadelphia Eagles offense began before the rookie wide receiver reported for his first NFL training camp. Lemon said Saturday that working with quarterback Jalen Hurts during the summer has already been beneficial. Those sessions allowed the rookie to begin learning Hurts preferences while developing the timing and communication required within Philadelphias passing game.Hurts organized workouts with Eagles quarterbacks and skill-position players in Orlando, Florida. Lemon joined the group after recovering from a hamstring injury that sidelined him for parts of his offseason preparation.The time carried added importance for a young receiver entering an offense with established expectations. Routes can be drawn the same way in a playbook, but developing chemistry requires receivers to understand how their quarterback anticipates breaks, responds to defensive leverage and places the football against different coverages.Makai Lemon says working with Hurts over the summer has been beneficial so far in camp pic.twitter.com/oGLQq0sr1k Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) August 1, 2026Lemons participation also demonstrated his willingness to make up for lost time. Training camp repetitions are limited, making any preparation completed before the team reports valuable. Philadelphia selected Lemon after a productive college career at Southern California. He enters a receiver room led by DeVonta Smith, with Hollywood Brown, Dontayvion Wicks and Elijah Moore among the players competing for targets. The Eagles do not need Lemon to carry the passing game immediately. They need him to learn Sean Mannions offense, earn Hurts trust and show he can execute consistently when opportunities arrive.His versatility could help him compete for an early role, but that process will depend on more than athletic ability. Route precision, communication and reliability often determine how quickly rookie receivers get onto the field.Lemons summer work with Hurts provided an important head start. The early returns suggest those sessions are making his transition into Philadelphias offense easier.This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Makai Lemon says summer work with Jalen Hurts is paying off

SportsLine's model simulated St. Louis vs. Toronto 10,000 times and revealed its MLB picks for Saturday's matchup as Quinn Mathews debuts for the Cardinals

ENGLEWOOD, CO - JULY 31: Nik Bonitto #15 of the Denver Broncos looks on during training camp at Broncos Park Powered by CommonSpirit on July 31, 2026 in Englewood, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) | Getty ImagesWelcome to Day 2 of Denver Broncos training camp. After an exciting first day of camp where we saw some big plays from the offense and red zone dominance by the defense, both sides of the ball had their successes and setbacks on Friday. Bo Nix is looking sharp as ever too. Day 2 figures to bring some more excitement as the weekend fan attendance tends to be a bit more electric. Scotty Payne will be updating this post today as Ill be braving the eastern Oregon wildfires to find a path to the Redwood Coast this week. Ill face any danger for some fresh air at this point. Wish me luck and Ill be back at it on my laptop after this (hopefully) nine hour already-detoured drive.Go Broncos!Broncos training camp Day 2 live updatesRing of Famer Rod Smith is at Broncos training camp today.Getting a close-up look at Jaylen Waddle. Zac Stevens (@ZacStevens) August 1, 2026Celebrating 150 years of the beautiful state we call Happy #ColoradoDay! pic.twitter.com/u7znBx2bHX Denver Broncos (@Broncos) August 1, 2026Bo Nix ready for another day of work #KOABroncosCamppic.twitter.com/4ZYZBHAbbJ KOA 850 AM & 94.1 FM (@KOAColorado) August 1, 2026The Broncos are laser focused on opening their new stadium at Burnham Yard in 2031, per Damani Leech.Believes its still a realistic timeline.Burnham Yard is still the preferred site pic.twitter.com/S3k2YqlleJ Zac Stevens (@ZacStevens) August 1, 2026It will have 3.5 to 4 years to build the new stadium, per Damani Leech. Zac Stevens (@ZacStevens) August 1, 2026Hosting a Super Bowl is on the Broncos mind, per Damani Leech Zac Stevens (@ZacStevens) August 1, 2026The hope is to break ground on a new stadium next year, per Damani Leech. He pointed to the spring. Zac Stevens (@ZacStevens) August 1, 2026Still no sign of Drew Sanders on #Broncos camp Day 2. Heres the OLB group working today.Still no Caleb Lohner or WR Joseph Manjack. pic.twitter.com/3N0w49beFI Luca Evans (@bylucaevans) August 1, 2026Bo Nix just dropped a dime to RJ Harvey deep on a wheel route in 7-on-7. Perfect ball.Nixs strong start to camp continuing today early. Luca Evans (@bylucaevans) August 1, 2026*Notable* shift at #Broncos camp today in backup-QB rotation for 7-on snaps. Luca Evans (@bylucaevans) August 1, 2026