Nike's reported courting of <a href="gopher://topicL3RoZW5hdGlvbmFsL1Blb3BsZS9TcG9ydC9Hb2xmZXJzL1JvcnkgTWNJbHJveQ==" inlink="topic::L3RoZW5hdGlvbmFsL1Blb3BsZS9TcG9ydC9Hb2xmZXJzL1JvcnkgTWNJbHJveQ==">Rory McIlroy,</a> the world's No 1 golfer, makes perfect sense. The US sportswear giant has endured an awkward time of late, with the scandals surrounding <a href="gopher://topicL3RoZW5hdGlvbmFsL1Blb3BsZS9TcG9ydC9Hb2xmZXJzL1RpZ2VyIFdvb2Rz" inlink="topic::L3RoZW5hdGlvbmFsL1Blb3BsZS9TcG9ydC9Hb2xmZXJzL1RpZ2VyIFdvb2Rz">Tiger Woods,</a> Lance Armstrong and the NFL quarterback Michael Vick. Links to McIlroy, arguably the fresh face of sport, will be very welcome, even though Nike last year boasted figures of US$22 billion (Dh80bn) in sales. Rumours this week, largely from credible sources, suggest the two-time major champion has almost completed a 10-year deal worth $250m. The agreement would buy Nike one of the most lucrative sports stars on the planet - SportsPro, a multimedia communications firm, recently put him second only to Neymar, the Brazilian footballer - and will provide McIlroy with the ability to maximise his mammoth marketability. The transition to Nike may take time - McIlroy will change equipment for the first time in his professional career (his Titleist contract expires this year) - while his numerous other sponsorship deals, such as the Dubai-based Jumeirah group, will presumably not be renewed or terminated. Nike usually maintains exclusive branding on their athletes yet, given the numbers mooted, for McIlroy it seems a small price. Woods, whose CV remains unmatched by a distance, is believed to earn $105m from Nike in five-year spells. McIlroy, fast becoming his conqueror on the course, is now outstripping his idol in the boardroom, too. Follow us