The Republic of Ireland have lost the opening game of their UEFA Under-19 European Championship qualifiers 2-1 to Switzerland in Salzburg.

ITV is to snap up Talpa, the Dutch production company behind The Voice, in a deal that could cost up to €1.1bn.

The Voice is a big hit here, but will the British version outstrip the X Factor in the ratings wars? Ed Power on another John de Mol creation.

Speculation over a potential takeover of Manchester United has increased after American football tycoon Malcolm Glazier and Big Brother creator John de Mol increased their stake in the Premiership champions.