Dick's Sporting Goods was nearing a deal to buy rival footwear retailer Foot Locker for about $2.3 billion, the Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the matter.

Former Manchester United sporting director Dan Ashworth has returned to the Football Association (FA) after being appointed as chief football officer following his ill-fated stint at Old Trafford.FA chief executive Mark Bullingham said: "Dan is a hugely influential and respected figure in the game,