• John Textor wants to offload 45% stake in Premier League club
• US businessman would consider chance to invest in Everton

Crystal Palace’s co-owner John Textor has confirmed he is attempting to sell his stake in the club and would consider investing in Everton.

The US businessman, who also has shareholdings in Lyon, Botafogo and Molenbeek via his Eagle Football Holdings company, has been exploring the sale of his 45% stake in Palace for some time and has appointed the investment banking firm Raine to find a buyer.

American billionaires and investment firms now control teams across Europe. Their stewardship varies wildly in quality

It might have taken the USA generations to take soccer seriously as a sport, but the country’s reach across the English and European game continues to grow, particularly when it comes to club ownership. Indeed, American entrepreneurs, moguls and general wealth-hoarders are now commonplace in boardrooms across world soccer.

No fewer than nine Premier League clubs are majority owned by Americans – and that’s without even mentioning clubs lower down the pyramid such as Birmingham City and Wrexham (although Canada could claim that one too). Across continental Europe, too, there is a current of American ownership gathering pace – Serie A has proved particularly attractive recently.

• Sporting director was wanted as Dan Ashworth replacement
• He has agreed new deal with Palace, where he took job in 2019

Dougie Freedman looks set to stay as Crystal Palace’s sporting director after turning down an approach from Newcastle and agreeing a new contract.

The former Scotland striker held talks with Newcastle officials this month about potentially succeeding Dan Ashworth, who remains on gar­dening leave before an expected move to become Manchester United’s ­sporting director. The Palace chairman, Steve Parish, was said by club sources to be “doing everything he can” to help persuade Freedman to stay given his impressive recruitment since becoming sporting director in 2019, which includes scouting Marc Guéhi, Eberechi Eze and Adam Wharton, who were named in England’s training squad for Euro 2024 this week.

Young midfielder is one of four players from soaring Eagles in Gareth Southgate’s provisional squad for Euro 2024

Adam Wharton could hardly have picked a more difficult Premier League debut at the start of February. With Crystal Palace trailing 1-0 against their arch‑rivals Brighton, a knee injury to the captain, Marc Guéhi, forced Roy Hodgson to throw in the 19‑year‑old, who had signed 48 hours earlier from Blackburn.

Brighton doubled their lead within five minutes and seven seconds after Palace kicked off again a moment arrived that must have been replayed in Wharton’s mind countless times. Receiving the ball midway in his own half, he turned and attempted to pass to Tyrick Mitchell but was surprised by Pascal Gross and ended up losing possession.

Our photo editor Jonny Weeks trawled through more than 100,000 pictures to select his favourite images and the most unforgettable moments

The Premier League season started ominously as Erling Haaland took just four minutes to get his goalscoring campaign under way when Manchester City beat Burnley in the opening match. Elsewhere, Luton’s first top-flight game for 31 years ended in defeat at Brighton and Ange Postecoglou claimed manager of the month (as he would do again in September and October) as Tottenham made a fast start to the season.

Fans review the season with one game to play: the stars, the flops and the moments that made them smile

• Part two: Liverpool to Wolves

It’s been a privilege. Yes, it looks destined to end in glorious failure, but we’ll keep faith until the fat lady sings. No matter the outcome, there’s so much pride in the unity of spirit that has sustained our campaign to the final day and given us the sort of exhilarating entertainment we last witnessed a couple of decades back. Some might not agree with all of Mikel’s decisions along the way, but there’s certainly no disputing his achievements. 9.5/10.