Montpellier owner Mohed Altrads proposed takeover of Gloucester Rugby has moved a step closer with European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) seeking the opinion of the Rugby Football Union (RFU) and the French Rugby Federation (FFR) over the potential deal.EPCR -- the body in charge of European rugby -- has been asked by Gloucester to approve Altrads purchase of a majority stake in Gloucester.As Altrad owns Montpellier, EPCR is seeking the RFU and FFRs opinion on whether he could have a controlling stake in two European clubs. EPCR is also seeking World Rugbys opinion and wants all three organisations to give their clarified positions on the matter.EPCR is committed to completing all of its due diligence regarding this matter and to assessing any potential risks to the integrity and image of its tournaments in which both clubs participate, by avoiding any potential conflict of interest, or perception thereof, the statement continued.It is important to consider the views of all stakeholders as part of a fair, thorough and transparent decision-making process.A statement from Gloucester CEO Stephen Vaughan -- in response to the EPCRs -- read: We have pledged to remain as frank and open with all our stakeholders as we possibly can on this matter.Last week we confirmed that discussions had begun with Mr Altrad, but that any progress going forward was dependent on receiving approval from a number of relevant bodies.The statement from EPCR confirms that they have received communication from ourselves, We will, of course, strive to keep interested parties up to speed with developments as soon as we are in a position to do so. 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Negredo broke the deadlock from close range after a simple move in the 99th minute before Dzeko took the ball round goalkeeper Tim Krul to seal the victory in the 105th. VANCOUVER -- Brad Knighton was used sparingly during his time with the Philadelphia Union. Now he has a chance to show them what they missed. Knighton is slated to start against his former squad for the first time Saturday as the Vancouver Whitecaps host the Union at B.C. Place Stadium. If all goes according to plan, the goalkeeper will attempt to keep the Whitecaps (9-6-5) unbeaten at home against the Union (8-6-7), which is in contention for top spot in the Eastern Conference. Vancouver has gone 7-0-3 at home. Knighton sports a 6-2-2 mark and two shutouts. "All you can ask for is a chance, and its what you do with that chance," said Knighton after practice on the clubs home turf Friday. "You try and make the most of it and try and show people that have written you off that you deserve to be here, and youre a No. 1 in this league." Knighton was released by Philadelphia after playing just eight games in 2010, his first and only season with the club. He posted a respectable, albeit unspectacular 3-3-1 record during that span. The Union put him on waivers, but there were no takers, and Knighton was forced to play the next season in a lower-tier circuit with the Carolina RailHawks. Current Vancouver coach Martin Rennie guided Carolina that season and, after watching Knighton play every minute of the campaign, brought him to the Whitecaps in 2012. Knighton, a 28-year-old Hickory, N.C., native, was never drafted by a Major League Soccer club but he has fought his way to starting status last season, when he played in Vancouvers first playoff game, and again this season after Joe Cannon, now the third-stringer, began the campaign as No. 1. Accordingly, the opportunity to play against the Union is highly meaningful to Knighton. "I pride myself on how hard Ive worked to get where I was, and all the obstacles that Ive had to come through," said Knighton, who entered the pro ranks after four seasons as a starter with the University of North Carolina-Wilmington. "And to be able to find a place where Ive been able to get a good run of games and show my capabilities as a starting keeper in this league has been fantastic for me, and its helped my confidence tremendously." But Knightons run could come to an end if he cant help his current club succeed against his old one. The Whitecaps signed Danish goalkeeper David Ousted, who became eligible to play July 9. Ousted has been waiting in the wings since then as Knighton enjoyed centre stage. Knighton has helped the Whitecaps stay unbeatten in six of their last seven games, but the Caps are coming off a road loss to Los Angeles last weekend.dddddddddddd Ousted, who was signed after the Whitecaps traded defender Alain Rochat to D.C. United to clear cap space, reportedly earns much more than Knightons $66,000 annual base pay. So Rennie, who has praised Knightons play in recent weeks, could be compelled to make a switch if the Whitecaps are not successful this weekend. But Knighton, who was also cast adrift by New England following the 2009 season, is determined to keep his place after going down and up the pro soccer ladder. "Obviously, (succeeding) at the lower level is something a bit different than doing it at the higher level," he said. "Ive been fortunate this year and last year to get a chance at a higher level. Im just trying to make the most of it and show people that I deserve to be here for a long time." Meanwhile, striker Kenny Miller is also looking to excel after he signed a rare six-month contract extension this week. "Obviously, thats a mark now that has been put to rest," said Miller, who has six goals in the 11 games in which he has played this season. ... I can just concentrate on the football now, the game (Saturday) and our undefeated home record and, hopefully, continue our good momentum at home as well and get another three points, which should push us up the table and get us to where we feel we should be ... which is the top of the league." Meanwhile, Whitecaps striker Darren Mattocks has been sidelined indefinitely with a knee injury. Rennie said Mattocks underwent arthroscopic knee surgery Thursday. The coach said the team does not put a time frame on recoveries, but he does not expect the Jamaican international to miss extended time. Mattocks has struggled in his second MLS season after leading the club with seven goals as a rookie. He has started just six of the 13 games in which he has appeared, recording three goals and one assist. Notes: Whitecaps defender Jordan Harvey will also get a chance to play against his former Philadelphia squad. ... Former Whitecap Sebastien Le Toux will suit up for the Union. He spent part of last season with the Whitecaps after being acquired in a trade from Philadelphia. The Frenchman leads the league in assists with nine. ... Whitecaps central defender Andy OBrien (hamstring) is not expected to play. ... Vancouver captain Jay DeMerit (torn Achilles tendon) has resumed training with the team, but is not expected back until late-August. ' ' '