TAKEOVER talks intensified at Oxford United as Juan Sartori made a firm offer to U’s chairman Darryl Eales to buy the club.

The story broke with the Uruguayan businessmen set to meet stadium landlord Firoz Kassam in Monaco to try to negotiate a deal to obtain the ground.

Sartori’s father-in-law is Dmitry Rybolovlev, billionaire owner of French champions AS Monaco, which increased excitement among U’s supporters.

But news of the takeover went quiet and on June 8 the Oxford Mail reported that the deal was off.

Meanwhile, Oxford United and Oxford City football clubs announced a partnership, with a new 3G pitch at Court Place Farm – one of many changes designed to boost revenue for both clubs.

Oxfordshire’s rugby union players made history as the county’s side beat Sussex in the Bill Beaumont County Championship Division 3 final at Twickenham.

Ed Bowden scored a last-minute try to level the scores and peg Craig Burrows’ side back at 29-29.

And after a nervous wait as the officials checked the rule book, Oxon were awarded victory by virtue of scoring more tries.

It was the county’s first victory at the home of English rugby after losing in 2003 and 2006.

Meanwhile, Oxford Rugby League became the first English club side to travel to Canada, but were beaten 62-12 by Toronto Wolfpack.