Reuters Sports News Summary

Brazil forward Vinicius was racially abused by fans when Madrid played Valencia in May, the 10th such incident involving the 22-year-old that LaLiga has reported to prosecutors this season. Exclusive-Manchester United discusses granting exclusivity to Qatari Sheikh in $6 billion-plus sale -sources English football club Manchester United is negotiating granting exclusivity to the consortium led by Qatar's Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani in talks to sell itself for more than $6 billion, people familiar with the matter said on Thursday.

Following is a summary of current sports news briefs.

Motor racing-Hamilton expects wins mark to fall to Verstappen

Lewis Hamilton holds the record for Grand Prix wins but the seven-times Formula One world champion recognised on Thursday that Max Verstappen could smash that mark. Even though Hamilton is on the verge of signing a contract extension with Mercedes and will have an opportunity to add to his 103 victories -- including seven at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve which will host this weekend's Canadian Grand Prix -- he said the 25-year-old Dutchman had time on his side.

Golf-'Monkey see, monkey do' Schauffele chases Fowler up U.S. Open leaderboard

Xander Schauffele did not give Rickie Fowler much time to enjoy holding the record for lowest round ever at a U.S. Open, matching his 62 while Fowler was still being congratulated for entering the history books. Playing one group behind Fowler, both players birdied their penultimate holes - the par-five eighth - to break the record of 63 held by six players and equal the lowest major round of all time set by Branden Grace at the 2017 British Open.

Golf-Resurgent Fowler enjoys record start to U.S. Open

Rickie Fowler fell off the radar after a difficult stretch but the longtime fan favourite stormed back to relevance in a major way with a record-setting start to the U.S. Open on Thursday. Fowler fired an eight-under-par 62 at Los Angeles Country Club that marked the lowest round in U.S. Open history and equalled the lowest major round of all time set by Branden Grace in the third round of the 2017 British Open at Royal Birkdale.

Soccer-Real's history, not money, motivation for move, says Bellingham

Jude Bellingham's decision to join Real Madrid was not driven by money but by a desire to contribute to the Spanish side's rich footballing history, the England international said on Thursday. Real officially confirmed the signing of Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday in a deal worth 103 million euros ($111.58 million) plus add-ons, with the midfielder signing a six-year contract.

Motor racing-Alonso diplomatic about Canada chances while owner talks tough

Fernando Alonso can be aggressive on the track but away from the circuit the Aston Martin driver left the tough talk to team owner Lawrence Stroll, who is looking for both his cars to finish on the podium at the Canadian Grand Prix on Sunday. The Montreal stop is the home race for the Canadian billionaire and Stroll told Reuters this week that he was hoping to see his son Lance, who would be the first Canadian on the home podium since Jacques Villeneuve in 1996, and Alonso to finish in the top three.

US Justice Department to investigate PGA Tour-LIV Golf pact - WSJ

The U.S. Justice Department will review the PGA Tour's plan to merge with Saudi-backed LIV Golf to determine if it violates antitrust law, the Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday, citing people familiar with the matter. The PGA Tour, DP World Tour and rival Saudi-backed LIV circuit, which had been involved in a bitter fight that split the sport, announced an agreement last week to merge and form one unified commercial entity.

Exclusive-Soccer-Brazil forward Vinicius Jr to lead new anti-racism committee - FIFA

Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr will lead a special FIFA anti-racism committee made up of players who will suggest stricter punishments for discriminatory behaviour in football, president Gianni Infantino told Reuters on Thursday. Brazil forward Vinicius was racially abused by fans when Madrid played Valencia in May, the 10th such incident involving the 22-year-old that LaLiga has reported to prosecutors this season.

Exclusive-Manchester United discusses granting exclusivity to Qatari Sheikh in $6 billion-plus sale -sources

English football club Manchester United is negotiating granting exclusivity to the consortium led by Qatar's Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani in talks to sell itself for more than $6 billion, people familiar with the matter said on Thursday. While a deal remains uncertain, the development represents a major milestone in the efforts of Sheikh Jassim - the son of Qatar's former prime minister who is one of the richest men in the Gulf state - to take over the iconic sports brand.

Soccer-Joselu’s late winner puts Spain into Nations League final

Substitute Joselu scored a fortunate winner three minutes from the end as Spain booked their place in a second successive Nations League final with a deserved 2-1 victory over Italy on Thursday. Coach Luis de la Fuente’s side will meet Croatia in Sunday’s decider in Rotterdam having lost to France in the final two years ago. Italy take on hosts Netherlands for the bronze medal.

Soccer-Man United can gain up to $2 billion via global fan base, says finance expert

Manchester United could add up to $2 billion to the club's market value if they make investments to further monetize their global fan base, finance expert Neil Joyce told Reuters on Thursday. The club is negotiating granting exclusivity to the consortium led by Qatar's Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani in talks to sell itself for more than $6 billion, people familiar with the matter said on Thursday.