birminghammail--2020-01-09--Bailiffs to remove 'fly grazing' horses caught roaming on dual carriageway

Two 'fly grazing ' horses have been branded `` a danger to themselves and the public '' after they were spotted running loose on a busy dual carriageway .
Bailiffs are set to step in to remove the horses from their favoured grazing spot - grassland off Bickley Road , Bilston - after several unsuccessful attempts to trace the owner .
In the last month , West Midlands Police has received 10 calls from concerned members of the public who have seen the horses roaming on roads , including the Black Country Route , Darlaston Lane and Queens Street .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the last month the police have received 10 calls regarding horses running loose near to a strip of grass land by the Lunt estate , Bilston .
`` Most of the calls generated have been relating to the horses seen on the Black Country Route , Darlaston Lane and Queens Street .
`` Officers have attended and on a number of occasions and herded the animals to a safe location . ''
He continued : `` I 've patrolled the grassland and identified where the horses graze and noticed that some of them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ roaming freely .
`` On what I 've see it 's obvious the horses present a danger to themselves and the public .
`` I 've been unable to establish who are the owners of these animals , so I 've made contact with Wolverhampton City Council 's environmental health department .
`` The council has put an order on the grass land for the horses to no longer to be there .
I was advised that if the horses are not removed by the owners , then they 'll be removed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I was assured the horses will not be harmed . ''
A spokesman for City of Wolverhampton Council told Black Country Live : “ We can confirm two horses are currently on site and have requested horse bailiffs to instigate proceedings for their removal to a safer location.
” The council must give the owner 72 hours ' notice before the animals are removed from the land .
The animals then have to be kept for a further four days before they can be moved to an alternative location .

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Two 'fly grazing' horses have been branded "a danger to themselves and the public" after they were spotted running loose on a busy dual carriageway.
Bailiffs are set to step in to remove the horses from their favoured grazing spot - grassland off Bickley Road, Bilston - after several unsuccessful attempts to trace the owner.
In the last month, West Midlands Police has received 10 calls from concerned members of the public who have seen the horses roaming on roads, including the Black Country Route, Darlaston Lane and Queens Street.
(Image: Black Country Live)
PCSO Gavin Chandler said: "Over the last month the police have received 10 calls regarding horses running loose near to a strip of grass land by the Lunt estate, Bilston.
"Most of the calls generated have been relating to the horses seen on the Black Country Route, Darlaston Lane and Queens Street.
"Officers have attended and on a number of occasions and herded the animals to a safe location."
He continued: "I've patrolled the grassland and identified where the horses graze and noticed that some of them are tethered via chains and others were roaming freely.
(Image: Black Country Live)
"On what I've see it's obvious the horses present a danger to themselves and the public.
"I've been unable to establish who are the owners of these animals, so I've made contact with Wolverhampton City Council's environmental health department.
"The council has put an order on the grass land for the horses to no longer to be there. I was advised that if the horses are not removed by the owners, then they'll be removed to a safer location by bailiffs.
"I was assured the horses will not be harmed."
A spokesman for City of Wolverhampton Council told Black Country Live: “We can confirm two horses are currently on site and have requested horse bailiffs to instigate proceedings for their removal to a safer location.”
The council must give the owner 72 hours' notice before the animals are removed from the land. The animals then have to be kept for a further four days before they can be moved to an alternative location.


birminghammail--2020-01-09--Aston Villa striker targeted by Championship promotion hopefuls – report

Kodjia has struggled with injury following Villa ’ s promotion to the Premier League , and hasn ’ t nailed @ @ @ @ @ Smith ’ s starting 11 .
Summer signing Wesley has been first choice for Smith @ @ @ @ @ now been ruled out for the season with a serious knee injury .
Kodjia has @ @ @ @ @ games and fixtures since Wesley ’ s absence , but may not have done enough @ @ @ @ @ inclusion in the starting 11 .
He didn ’ t feature in Wednesday night ’ @ @ @ @ @ leg with Leicester City due to illness .
The BBC now claim that Forest , @ @ @ @ @ Championship , are keen on bringing him to the City Ground .
Forest are looking @ @ @ @ @ to goals Lewis Grabban has scored this season , with Wolverhampton Wanderers loanee Rafa Mir @ @ @ @ @ .
Kodjia played his part in Villa ’ s promotion via the Championship play-offs last @ @ @ @ @ in 41 league and play-off outings .

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Aston Villa striker Jonathan Kodjia is a reported target for Championship side Nottingham Forest
Kodjia has struggled with injury following Villa’s promotion to the Premier League, and hasn’t nailed down a position in Dean Smith’s starting 11.
Summer signing Wesley has been first choice for Smith, but the Brazilian has now been ruled out for the season with a serious knee injury.
Kodjia has filled in, in cup games and fixtures since Wesley’s absence, but may not have done enough to impress and warrant an inclusion in the starting 11.
He didn’t feature in Wednesday night’s Carabao Cup semi-final first leg with Leicester City due to illness.
The BBC now claim that Forest, gunning for promotion from the Championship, are keen on bringing him to the City Ground.
Forest are looking for a striker to supplement to goals Lewis Grabban has scored this season, with Wolverhampton Wanderers loanee Rafa Mir unable to make his impact.
Kodjia played his part in Villa’s promotion via the Championship play-offs last season, scoring nine goals in 41 league and play-off outings.


birminghammail--2020-01-09--Prince Harry and Meghan Markle restricting national press access in radical new media policy

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are to restrict the national press 's access to their official engagements , at the same time as insisting they believe in a free and open media .
The couple 's new website launched an attack on the UK 's newspapers which coincided with their shock announcement they were quitting as senior royals .
In its media section , Sussexroyal.com criticised Britain 's royal correspondents and said it would no longer participate in the `` royal rota '' system which has been used by Buckingham Palace for decades .
The royal rota gives accredited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ royal engagements on a pooled sharing basis to ensure maximum press coverage with minimum disruption to the engagement itself .
It cites the UK media outlets as The Daily Express , The Daily Mail , The Daily Mirror , The Evening Standard , The Telegraph , The Times and The Sun .
Other media have access via the royal rota such as news agencies , including PA , photographers and broadcasters .
The new approach , which will begin in the spring , will deny the automatic access to royal correspondents , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ credible outlets '' , specialist media , grassroots media organisations and young , up-and-coming journalists .
`` Britain 's royal correspondents are regarded internationally as credible sources of both the work of members of The Royal Family as well as of their private lives , '' the website said .
`` This misconception propels coverage that is often carried by other outlets around the world , amplifying frequent misreporting .
`` Regrettably , stories that may have been filed accurately by royal correspondents are also often edited or rewritten by media editorial teams @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added : `` Their sincere hope is that this change in media policy will enhance access and give the duke and duchess the ability to share information more freely with members of the public . ''
Outlining Harry and Meghan 's stance on media , it said : `` The duke and duchess believe in a free , strong and open media industry , which upholds accuracy and fosters inclusivity , diversity and tolerance . ''
Harry 's relationship with the press has been a complicated and difficult one .
His dislike of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ birth of son Archie Mountbatten-Windsor , as he strives to protect his family .
Harry grew up fully aware of the impact of the overwhelming media intrusion on the daily life of his mother Diana , Princess of Wales .
He was only 12 when the princess was killed in a crash after her car , driven at speed by a drunk chauffeur , was chased through the streets of Paris by the paparazzi .
Soon after he began dating American actress Meghan Markle , Harry attacked the media over its `` abuse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Kensington Palace warning on his behalf : `` This is not a game - it is her life . ''
In October 2019 , the Sussexes overshadowed the end of their official tour to Africa by each bringing separate legal actions against parts of the press , with Meghan suing the Mail On Sunday over an alleged breach of privacy when it published a private letter between her and her estranged father .
The Mail On Sunday said it stands by its story and will be defending the case vigorously .
Harry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ High Court against News Group Newspapers , which owns The Sun and the now defunct News Of The World , and Reach plc , which owns the Daily Mirror , in relation to the alleged illegal interception of voicemail messages .
Along with the legal action , Harry released a scathing attack on the tabloid press , in which he heavily criticised certain sections of the media for conducting what he called a `` ruthless campaign '' against his wife .
In the ITV television documentary following the tour , Harry said he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Meghan admitted to feeling vulnerable , and spoke of the pressures of royal life amid intense tabloid interest .
`` When I first met my now-husband my friends were really happy because I was so happy , but my British friends said to me , ' I 'm sure he 's great but you should n't do it because the British tabloids will destroy your life ' , '' she said .
She added : `` I think I really tried to adopt this British sensibility of a stiff upper lip .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but I think what that does internally is probably really damaging , and the biggest thing that I know is that I never thought this would be easy but I thought it would be fair , and that is the part that is hard to reconcile but ( I ) just take each day as it comes . ''

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The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are to restrict the national press's access to their official engagements, at the same time as insisting they believe in a free and open media.
The couple's new website launched an attack on the UK's newspapers which coincided with their shock announcement they were quitting as senior royals.
In its media section, Sussexroyal.com criticised Britain's royal correspondents and said it would no longer participate in the "royal rota" system which has been used by Buckingham Palace for decades.
The royal rota gives accredited correspondents on UK national newspapers access to royal engagements on a pooled sharing basis to ensure maximum press coverage with minimum disruption to the engagement itself.
It cites the UK media outlets as The Daily Express, The Daily Mail, The Daily Mirror, The Evening Standard, The Telegraph, The Times and The Sun.
(Image: Getty Images)
Other media have access via the royal rota such as news agencies, including PA, photographers and broadcasters.
The new approach, which will begin in the spring, will deny the automatic access to royal correspondents, and focus instead on social media, "credible outlets", specialist media, grassroots media organisations and young, up-and-coming journalists.
"Britain's royal correspondents are regarded internationally as credible sources of both the work of members of The Royal Family as well as of their private lives," the website said.
(Image: Adam Gerrard / Daily Mirror)
"This misconception propels coverage that is often carried by other outlets around the world, amplifying frequent misreporting.
"Regrettably, stories that may have been filed accurately by royal correspondents are also often edited or rewritten by media editorial teams to present false impressions."
It added: "Their sincere hope is that this change in media policy will enhance access and give the duke and duchess the ability to share information more freely with members of the public."
(Image: Getty Images)
Outlining Harry and Meghan's stance on media, it said: "The duke and duchess believe in a free, strong and open media industry, which upholds accuracy and fosters inclusivity, diversity and tolerance."
Harry's relationship with the press has been a complicated and difficult one.
His dislike of the media has seemingly intensified following the birth of son Archie Mountbatten-Windsor, as he strives to protect his family.
Harry grew up fully aware of the impact of the overwhelming media intrusion on the daily life of his mother Diana, Princess of Wales.
He was only 12 when the princess was killed in a crash after her car, driven at speed by a drunk chauffeur, was chased through the streets of Paris by the paparazzi.
Soon after he began dating American actress Meghan Markle, Harry attacked the media over its "abuse and harassment" of his girlfriend, with Kensington Palace warning on his behalf: "This is not a game - it is her life."
In October 2019, the Sussexes overshadowed the end of their official tour to Africa by each bringing separate legal actions against parts of the press, with Meghan suing the Mail On Sunday over an alleged breach of privacy when it published a private letter between her and her estranged father.
The Mail On Sunday said it stands by its story and will be defending the case vigorously.
(Image: Getty Images)
Harry later filed his own proceedings at the High Court against News Group Newspapers, which owns The Sun and the now defunct News Of The World, and Reach plc, which owns the Daily Mirror, in relation to the alleged illegal interception of voicemail messages.
Along with the legal action, Harry released a scathing attack on the tabloid press, in which he heavily criticised certain sections of the media for conducting what he called a "ruthless campaign" against his wife.
In the ITV television documentary following the tour, Harry said he was determined to protect his family.
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Meghan admitted to feeling vulnerable, and spoke of the pressures of royal life amid intense tabloid interest.
"When I first met my now-husband my friends were really happy because I was so happy, but my British friends said to me, 'I'm sure he's great but you shouldn't do it because the British tabloids will destroy your life'," she said.
She added: "I think I really tried to adopt this British sensibility of a stiff upper lip.
"I tried, I really tried, but I think what that does internally is probably really damaging, and the biggest thing that I know is that I never thought this would be easy but I thought it would be fair, and that is the part that is hard to reconcile but (I) just take each day as it comes."


birminghammail--2020-01-09--The EFL's stance on Birmingham City's St Andrew's sale

Birmingham City have not broken any EFL rules by selling their stadium , most likely to a subsidiary owned by their parent company .
The news jarred many Blues fans when it was revealed in the football club ’ s annual accounts earlier this week , prior to which there had been suspicions the club might go down this route but no confirmation .
That was until the latest financial figures were published , which showed Blues are in debt to their owners by more than £90million and require additional funding of around £54.2m up to the end of this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to record a loss of £8.4m , which is within the £13m EFL threshold allowable per season , because they declared a profit of £17.2million on the sale of St Andrew ’ s .
It is not stated exactly to whom the ground was sold , the accounts refer to the buyer as ‘ a wholly-owned subsidiary of Birmingham Sports Holding Limited ’ , the club ’ s parent company .
BSH also own a company called Birmingham City Stadium Ltd. We have been in touch with the EFL regarding the development and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are concerned Blues have not infringed the rules as they stand .
The EFL was aware of the transaction , as the club ’ s accounts were submitted to them before being made public .
On the surface the transfer ‘ looks fine ’ although the EFL will look at the valuation - recorded as £22.76m , netting the above-mentioned £17m profit .
The EFL will decide if that valuation is fair because clearly clubs can ’ t sell assets worth £5m to their owners for £100m .
It might be that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the future but for now , despite the secrecy around the sale , it seems that as long as the valuation is accurate Birmingham City have not broken the regulations as they stand .
They are , though , committed to paying rent to the owners of the stadium of £1.25m a year for the next 25 years .
Several other Championship clubs have gone down this route , Sheffield Wednesday being the most publicly-discussed example because they have subsequently been charged with misconduct by the EFL .
The Owls sold their ground @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a pre-tax profit of £2.5m for 2017/18 .
It ’ s important to note , though , the allegations relate to ‘ how and when ’ it was sold and its inclusion in the 2018 accounts when it was sold a year later .
Wednesday deny the charge and have issued a claim against the EFL for allegedly ‘ acting unlawfully ’ .

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Birmingham City have not broken any EFL rules by selling their stadium, most likely to a subsidiary owned by their parent company.
The news jarred many Blues fans when it was revealed in the football club’s annual accounts earlier this week, prior to which there had been suspicions the club might go down this route but no confirmation.
That was until the latest financial figures were published, which showed Blues are in debt to their owners by more than £90million and require additional funding of around £54.2m up to the end of this year.
However, they were able to record a loss of £8.4m, which is within the £13m EFL threshold allowable per season, because they declared a profit of £17.2million on the sale of St Andrew’s.
It is not stated exactly to whom the ground was sold, the accounts refer to the buyer as ‘a wholly-owned subsidiary of Birmingham Sports Holding Limited’, the club’s parent company.
BSH also own a company called Birmingham City Stadium Ltd.
We have been in touch with the EFL regarding the development and understand as far as the governing body are concerned Blues have not infringed the rules as they stand.
The EFL was aware of the transaction, as the club’s accounts were submitted to them before being made public.
On the surface the transfer ‘looks fine’ although the EFL will look at the valuation - recorded as £22.76m, netting the above-mentioned £17m profit.
The EFL will decide if that valuation is fair because clearly clubs can’t sell assets worth £5m to their owners for £100m.
It might be that the league looks to close that loophole in the future but for now, despite the secrecy around the sale, it seems that as long as the valuation is accurate Birmingham City have not broken the regulations as they stand.
They are, though, committed to paying rent to the owners of the stadium of £1.25m a year for the next 25 years.
Several other Championship clubs have gone down this route, Sheffield Wednesday being the most publicly-discussed example because they have subsequently been charged with misconduct by the EFL.
The Owls sold their ground for about £60m, helping them record a pre-tax profit of £2.5m for 2017/18.
It’s important to note, though, the allegations relate to ‘how and when’ it was sold and its inclusion in the 2018 accounts when it was sold a year later.
Wednesday deny the charge and have issued a claim against the EFL for allegedly ‘acting unlawfully’.


birminghammail--2020-01-09--Rekeem Harper reveals the advice West Brom boss Slaven Bilic has given him

Rekeem Harper is hoping that his return to West Brom ’ s first team last weekend has at least reminded Slaven Bilic of his ability to make the step up , as the young midfielder eyes a greater role in the second half of the season .
Harper , who hasn ’ t featured in the Championship since the opening weekend of the season , was handed an opportunity as part of a much changed side in the FA Cup third round victory at Charlton Athletic on Sunday .
Having committed his future to the club in the summer , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ found the competition in the middle of the park difficult to overcome ; Romaine Sawyers has slotted straight into the side , and Jake Livermore has nailed down a starting spot too .
Harper feels that the boss is a fan of his , though , based on what he 's said to him and what the pair have worked on in training .
If you want to follow all things Albion via social media then this is the place to find out how .
Transfers , injuries , match-day videos and photos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his players , we ’ ve got you covered .
We ’ ll be bringing the very latest throughout the week and around the clock .
Make sure you keep yourself updated with our social media accounts ... Twitter : All the latest news as it happens For all your latest WBA news , opinion , analysis and transfer gossip , click here You can follow our reporter Joseph Chapman on Twitter , and his email address is Joseph.Chapman @ reachplc.com The youngster is excited by what the future holds for him on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I ’ m very excited to continue my development here , ” Harper said .
“ I want to achieve great things with this big club .
I want to be a player who plays regularly here and that ’ s always been my aim .
“ I ’ ve played in lots of games and lots of wins and I ’ ve been part of the first team in the last 12 months .
It ’ s been incredible really .
“ This latter part of the year has been a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lot of competition , we ’ ve brought in plenty of quality players and the team has been doing really well .
“ There ’ s so much quality in the middle of the pitch .
I see it every week .
If I ’ m honest , it makes me want to raise my game to show the boss what I can do and what I can offer that ’ s different to the other midfielders .
“ I played a few games last season and this season I wanted to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ve accepted that it ’ s part of my journey to have plenty of experienced players ahead of me .
“ I felt a buzz when I was back out on the pitch against Charlton .
Playing in front of a crowd with my number on the back of my shirt .
“ It ’ s made me hungry to get back out there and show the fans what I can do.
” It transpires that Bilic has been quite an influence on Harper .
Though it was Darren Moore who gave him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Jimmy Shan who kept him in place , Harper feels he is benefitting from the Croat ’ s attention on the training pitch .
Bilic has spoken previously of how big a fan he is of Harper , but that he requires the midfielder to show more to be a part of the current first-team .
Harper recognises that and is grateful for Bilic ’ s nurturing .
“ Slaven has worked with me a lot on things such as checking shoulders , getting on the half-turn and becoming a powerful midfielder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s wanted me to work hard and show him how good I am every day .
“ A lot of our midfielders are experienced players so I have to do more to show him what I can do .
“ He ’ s been a great help for me and I can tell that he likes me .
I ’ m thankful that I have a manager that watches out for me and who will help my game in the long run .
”

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Rekeem Harper is hoping that his return to West Brom’s first team last weekend has at least reminded Slaven Bilic of his ability to make the step up, as the young midfielder eyes a greater role in the second half of the season.
Harper, who hasn’t featured in the Championship since the opening weekend of the season, was handed an opportunity as part of a much changed side in the FA Cup third round victory at Charlton Athletic on Sunday.
Having committed his future to the club in the summer, amid interest from elsewhere, Harper has found the competition in the middle of the park difficult to overcome; Romaine Sawyers has slotted straight into the side, and Jake Livermore has nailed down a starting spot too.
Harper feels that the boss is a fan of his, though, based on what he's said to him and what the pair have worked on in training.
The youngster is excited by what the future holds for him on a personal level at The Hawthorns.
“I’m very excited to continue my development here,” Harper said. “I want to achieve great things with this big club. I want to be a player who plays regularly here and that’s always been my aim.
“I’ve played in lots of games and lots of wins and I’ve been part of the first team in the last 12 months. It’s been incredible really.
“This latter part of the year has been a bit different because I’ve had a lot of competition, we’ve brought in plenty of quality players and the team has been doing really well.
“There’s so much quality in the middle of the pitch. I see it every week. If I’m honest, it makes me want to raise my game to show the boss what I can do and what I can offer that’s different to the other midfielders.
“I played a few games last season and this season I wanted to try and kick on. I’ve accepted that it’s part of my journey to have plenty of experienced players ahead of me.
“I felt a buzz when I was back out on the pitch against Charlton. Playing in front of a crowd with my number on the back of my shirt.
“It’s made me hungry to get back out there and show the fans what I can do.”
It transpires that Bilic has been quite an influence on Harper.
Though it was Darren Moore who gave him a break in the senior side, and Jimmy Shan who kept him in place, Harper feels he is benefitting from the Croat’s attention on the training pitch.
Bilic has spoken previously of how big a fan he is of Harper, but that he requires the midfielder to show more to be a part of the current first-team.
Harper recognises that and is grateful for Bilic’s nurturing.
“Slaven has worked with me a lot on things such as checking shoulders, getting on the half-turn and becoming a powerful midfielder,” Harper explained. “He’s wanted me to work hard and show him how good I am every day.
“A lot of our midfielders are experienced players so I have to do more to show him what I can do.
“He’s been a great help for me and I can tell that he likes me. I’m thankful that I have a manager that watches out for me and who will help my game in the long run.”


birminghammail--2020-01-09--Chelsea star Olivier Giroud 'agrees transfer' amid Aston Villa interest - reports

Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud has reportedly agreed a deal to sign for Inter Milan amid interest from Aston Villa .
The France international is believed be a target for Villa this month as Dean Smith looks to bring in much-needed cover upfront .
Smith has already outlined his desire to have a new forward signed in time for Sunday ’ s Premier League fixture against Manchester City at Villa Park .
He teased fans earlier this week by suggesting Giroud could still join Villa despite the arrival of Danny Drinkwater which means the club are not able to sign another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the former Arsenal frontman appears set for a reunion with ex-Chelsea boss Antonio Conte at Inter .
He has agreed personal terms with the Serie A giants according to respected Italian football journalist Fabrizio Romano .
It is reported Giroud ’ s agent Michael Manuello was in Milan today and shook hands on a two-and-a-half year contract .
All that is left is for Chelsea to agree on a transfer fee with the Nerazzurri and Giroud is thought to be valued at around £8m by Stamford Bridge decision-makers .
The 33-year-old , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fallen out of favour this season , has six months left on his current contract .
Villa are also being linked with the likes of Jay Rodriguez , Christian Benteke and Krzysztof Piatek as their transfer search is stepped up .

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Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud has reportedly agreed a deal to sign for Inter Milan amid interest from Aston Villa.
The France international is believed be a target for Villa this month as Dean Smith looks to bring in much-needed cover upfront.
Smith has already outlined his desire to have a new forward signed in time for Sunday’s Premier League fixture against Manchester City at Villa Park.
He teased fans earlier this week by suggesting Giroud could still join Villa despite the arrival of Danny Drinkwater which means the club are not able to sign another player on loan from Chelsea.
But the former Arsenal frontman appears set for a reunion with ex-Chelsea boss Antonio Conte at Inter.
He has agreed personal terms with the Serie A giants according to respected Italian football journalist Fabrizio Romano.
It is reported Giroud’s agent Michael Manuello was in Milan today and shook hands on a two-and-a-half year contract.
All that is left is for Chelsea to agree on a transfer fee with the Nerazzurri and Giroud is thought to be valued at around £8m by Stamford Bridge decision-makers.
The 33-year-old, who has made 70 appearances for Chelsea but fallen out of favour this season, has six months left on his current contract.
Villa are also being linked with the likes of Jay Rodriguez, Christian Benteke and Krzysztof Piatek as their transfer search is stepped up.


birminghammail--2020-01-09--Urgent appeal following hit-and-run in Handsworth

Police are urgently appealing for information following a hit-and- run crash in Handsworth .
A woman has been left critically injured after she was hit by a vehicle that 'failed to stop ' on College Road just before 7pm on Thursday evening .
West Midlands Police said the driver of the vehicle stopped to speak to two members of the public before 'getting back into his car and driving off ' .
The force is desperately trying to trace the driver and said they would urge the two men the driver spoke to 'to get in touch as they may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a large cordon in place on College Road between Somerset Road and Church Road and officers said the road is likely to remain closed for most of the evening .
Detective Sergeant Paul Hughes , from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit , said : “ We have spoken to a number of witnesses but I would urge anyone who has not yet spoken to us to get in touch .
`` In particular the two men that spoke to the driver , I would urge them to contact us as soon as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could help our investigation .
“ I am also appealing to anyone who has dash cam footage of the incident to get in touch . ''
Information can be given by contacting collision investigators on FL_COLLISION_INVEST @ west-midlands.pnn.police.uk , via Live Chat on our website at west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight , call 101 anytime or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting log 2117 of 9/1 .

Police are urgently appealing for information following a hit-and- run crash in Handsworth.
A woman has been left critically injured after she was hit by a vehicle that 'failed to stop' on College Road just before 7pm on Thursday evening.
West Midlands Police said the driver of the vehicle stopped to speak to two members of the public before 'getting back into his car and driving off'.
The force is desperately trying to trace the driver and said they would urge the two men the driver spoke to 'to get in touch as they may be able to help'.
There is a large cordon in place on College Road between Somerset Road and Church Road and officers said the road is likely to remain closed for most of the evening.
Detective Sergeant Paul Hughes, from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “We have spoken to a number of witnesses but I would urge anyone who has not yet spoken to us to get in touch.
"In particular the two men that spoke to the driver, I would urge them to contact us as soon as possible as they hold vital information that could help our investigation.
“I am also appealing to anyone who has dash cam footage of the incident to get in touch."
Information can be given by contacting collision investigators on FL_COLLISION_INVEST@west-midlands.pnn.police.uk , via Live Chat on our website at west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight, call 101 anytime or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting log 2117 of 9/1.


birminghammail--2020-01-09--Aston Villa transfer news live: Krzysztof Piatek door opened as Villa learn Pepe Reina update

Hello and welcome to Thursday 's LIVE Aston Villa coverage from BirminghamLive .
Villa completed their first signing of the @ @ @ @ @ international Danny Drinkwater joining in a loan deal from Chelsea until the end of the @ @ @ @ @ men will now be looking for a replacement for striker Wesley Moraes , who is @ @ @ @ @ and bolstering the squad ahead of the second half of their Premier League campaign .
@ @ @ @ @ latest news , rumours and links on any transfer news on incomings and outgoings at @ @ @ @ @ also also be all the fallout as Villa earned a creditable 1-1 draw away to @ @ @ @ @ leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final .
It is a one-match shootout for a place @ @ @ @ @ with us as we bring you all the latest news LIVE from Villa Park as @ @ @ @ @ all the action below ...

Hello and welcome to Sunday's LIVE Aston Villa coverage from BirminghamLive.
Villa completed their first signing of the transfer window with former England international Danny Drinkwater joining in a loan deal from Chelsea until the end of the season.
Dean Smith's men will now be looking for a replacement for striker Wesley Moraes, who is out for the season, and bolstering the squad ahead of the second half of their Premier League campaign.
We will have all the latest news, rumours and links on any transfer news on incomings and outgoings at Villa Park.
On the pitch, Villa were hammered 6-1 by Manchester City.
So stick with us as we bring you all the latest news LIVE from B6 as we get it.
Follow all the action below...


birminghammail--2020-01-09--Review: Ghost Stories at The Alexandra in Birmingham - a horror so chilling it'll leave you sleeples

Review: Ghost Stories at The Alexandra in Birmingham - a horror so chilling it'll leave you sleepless

The supernatural spectacular from Jeremy Dyson and Andy Nyman - Ghost Stories - has rolled into Birmingham .
And it 'll leave you petrified .
The production - subsequently turned into a cult film , starring Martin Freeman , now streaming on Netflix - arrived at The Alexandra on January 8 .
It 's a pulsating , bone-chilling affair , with plenty of scares to leave you sleepless - and enough fright to leave anybody with a nervous disposition utterly frantic .
The immersive experience , which has exhilirated audiences across the globe , is in Birmingham to give you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ production .
The Lyric Hammersmith Theatre production asks you to keep its secrets well-hidden - and it 's easy to see why , with fantastic staging and unique storytelling leaving ashen faces and crawling skin across the auditorium .
As the nights draw in , plenty of Birmingham theatregoers will be enticed by the thrilling twists and turns of the production , with all your deepest fears recognised and most disturbing thoughts imagined .
The sensory and electrifying encounter provides the ultimate twisted love-letter to horror , with moments of genuinely extreme shock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the show is unsuitable for anyone under the age of 15 and strongly advise anybody with doubts to think very seriously before attending .
The warning - albeit an unnerving one - is absolutely justified based on the rollicking performance delivered in Birmingham on Thursday night , with the production centred around a lecture by parapsychology professor Phillip Goodman , played by Joshua Higgott .
From there , petrified audiences are taken on a traversing kaleidoscope of terror , with tales of elderly night watchman Tony ( Paul Hawkyard ) , wayward teenager @ @ @ @ @ @ @ financier Mike ( Richard Sutton , who reprises his role from the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre and the West End ’ s Ambassador Theatre ) .
Higgott is brilliant at tying each scene together , with wonderfully poised acting and finding terror in the mundane , in a well-crafted performance which is as insidious as it unsettling .
With plenty of darkness in the production , it is perhaps a surprise to learn there is so much comedy in the script , too , as the spine-tingling pangs of eeriness are perfectly married to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between horror and comedy remains all too slender , providing a backdrop of chilling ambiance which is only emphasised by the dramatic crescendos of the deafening sound design .
The tension is only heightened by the staging - all hazard tapes , flashlights , numbers and mysterious landscapes - with the flickering lights ( expertly created by lighting designer James Farncombe ) and bombastic soundscape ( incredibly mastered by Nick Manning , sound designer ) assembling towards an astonishingly breathless crescendo .
The entire production is packed full of gothic homages and vivid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ denouement which really leaves theatregoers breathless , with every audience member 's stomach knotting and folding inwards , helplessly surrendering in the face of not just cheap thrills , but a genuine dread , brilliantly dark and disturbingly delivered .

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The supernatural spectacular from Jeremy Dyson and Andy Nyman - Ghost Stories - has rolled into Birmingham. And it'll leave you petrified.
The production - subsequently turned into a cult film, starring Martin Freeman, now streaming on Netflix - arrived at The Alexandra on January 8.
It's a pulsating, bone-chilling affair, with plenty of scares to leave you sleepless - and enough fright to leave anybody with a nervous disposition utterly frantic.
The immersive experience, which has exhilirated audiences across the globe, is in Birmingham to give you nightmares after a record breaking, sell-out production.
The Lyric Hammersmith Theatre production asks you to keep its secrets well-hidden - and it's easy to see why, with fantastic staging and unique storytelling leaving ashen faces and crawling skin across the auditorium.
As the nights draw in, plenty of Birmingham theatregoers will be enticed by the thrilling twists and turns of the production, with all your deepest fears recognised and most disturbing thoughts imagined.
The sensory and electrifying encounter provides the ultimate twisted love-letter to horror, with moments of genuinely extreme shock and tension.
The makers have warned the show is unsuitable for anyone under the age of 15 and strongly advise anybody with doubts to think very seriously before attending.
The warning - albeit an unnerving one - is absolutely justified based on the rollicking performance delivered in Birmingham on Thursday night, with the production centred around a lecture by parapsychology professor Phillip Goodman, played by Joshua Higgott.
From there, petrified audiences are taken on a traversing kaleidoscope of terror, with tales of elderly night watchman Tony (Paul Hawkyard), wayward teenager Simon (Gus Gordon) and city financier Mike (Richard Sutton, who reprises his role from the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre and the West End’s Ambassador Theatre).
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
Higgott is brilliant at tying each scene together, with wonderfully poised acting and finding terror in the mundane, in a well-crafted performance which is as insidious as it unsettling.
With plenty of darkness in the production, it is perhaps a surprise to learn there is so much comedy in the script, too, as the spine-tingling pangs of eeriness are perfectly married to moments of genuine laughter.
The line between horror and comedy remains all too slender, providing a backdrop of chilling ambiance which is only emphasised by the dramatic crescendos of the deafening sound design.
The tension is only heightened by the staging - all hazard tapes, flashlights, numbers and mysterious landscapes - with the flickering lights (expertly created by lighting designer James Farncombe) and bombastic soundscape (incredibly mastered by Nick Manning, sound designer) assembling towards an astonishingly breathless crescendo.
The entire production is packed full of gothic homages and vivid scares - but it is the pulsating denouement which really leaves theatregoers breathless, with every audience member's stomach knotting and folding inwards, helplessly surrendering in the face of not just cheap thrills, but a genuine dread, brilliantly dark and disturbingly delivered.


birminghammail--2020-01-09--Queen, Prince Charles and William's two-word demand of Harry and Meghan Markle after bombshell

The Queen , the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Cambridge have ordered their teams to find a `` workable solution '' over the future role of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex within the Royal Family .
A Buckingham Palace Source said the senior royals have asked aides to work `` at pace '' with the Government and The Sussex Household and an outcome was expected to take `` days , not weeks '' .
It comes after Harry and Meghan released a bombshell statement on Wednesday saying they would be `` stepping back '' as senior royals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the family were said to be left `` hurt '' by Harry and Meghan 's decision to issue a personal statement , which outlined their future lives as financially independent royals who will divide their time between the UK and North America .
It appears the head of state tried to forestall any announcements after her grandson asked to meet at her private Sandringham estate , the Evening Standard newspaper reported , only to be `` ignored '' by the couple .
The latest developments reveal the divisions within the heart of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the Duke of York 's disastrous television interview about his relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein .
Harry and Meghan went ahead and released their personal statement on Wednesday evening which was a `` bolt from the blue '' for Buckingham Palace , sources told the PA news agency .
The statement - and a new official Sussexroyal.com website - have thrown up important questions about funding for the couple 's round-the-clock security , media access to their royal events and how they will pay for their future lifestyles .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recently returned from a six-week stay in Canada with eight-month-old son Archie , said in their statement : `` After many months of reflection and internal discussions , we have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution .
`` We intend to step back as 'senior ' members of the royal family and work to become financially independent , while continuing to fully support Her Majesty the Queen . ''
Meghan received a public boost from her close friend Jessica Mulroney @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who posted a quote attributed to Gina Carey , which said : `` A strong woman looks a challenge in the eye and gives it a wink . ''
But a series of commentators have strongly criticised their decision with public relations and crisis consultant Mark Borkowski saying about the Sussexes `` It does feel like a royal couple in exile '' .

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The Queen, the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Cambridge have ordered their teams to find a "workable solution" over the future role of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex within the Royal Family.
A Buckingham Palace Source said the senior royals have asked aides to work "at pace" with the Government and The Sussex Household and an outcome was expected to take "days, not weeks".
It comes after Harry and Meghan released a bombshell statement on Wednesday saying they would be "stepping back" as senior royals.
The Queen and other members of the family were said to be left "hurt" by Harry and Meghan's decision to issue a personal statement, which outlined their future lives as financially independent royals who will divide their time between the UK and North America.
It appears the head of state tried to forestall any announcements after her grandson asked to meet at her private Sandringham estate, the Evening Standard newspaper reported, only to be "ignored" by the couple.
(Image: handout)
The latest developments reveal the divisions within the heart of the British monarchy which has already been rocked by the Duke of York's disastrous television interview about his relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Harry and Meghan went ahead and released their personal statement on Wednesday evening which was a "bolt from the blue" for Buckingham Palace, sources told the PA news agency.
The statement - and a new official Sussexroyal.com website - have thrown up important questions about funding for the couple's round-the-clock security, media access to their royal events and how they will pay for their future lifestyles.
The Duke and Duchess, who have only recently returned from a six-week stay in Canada with eight-month-old son Archie, said in their statement: "After many months of reflection and internal discussions, we have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution.
"We intend to step back as 'senior' members of the royal family and work to become financially independent, while continuing to fully support Her Majesty the Queen."
Meghan received a public boost from her close friend Jessica Mulroney, a Canadian stylist and TV star, who posted a quote attributed to Gina Carey, which said: "A strong woman looks a challenge in the eye and gives it a wink."
But a series of commentators have strongly criticised their decision with public relations and crisis consultant Mark Borkowski saying about the Sussexes "It does feel like a royal couple in exile".


birminghammail--2020-01-09--Newly-qualified driver who caused death of dad by dangerous driving jailed

A newly-qualified driver who mounted the pavement and killed an `` honest and hardworking '' father who was buying groceries for a friend 's funeral has been jailed .
Mohammed Muttaqabbir Miah was sentenced at Harrow Crown Court on Thursday to five years in jail for causing the death of pedestrian Diah Hamed Al-Safar by dangerous driving .
The 26-year-old , from Camden , was found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving , dangerous driving and failing to stop on December 2 last year following a trial , the Met Police said .
Miah , who had passed his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incident in September 2018 , was also disqualified from driving for four years .
In a statement read to the court Ben Casey , Mr Al-Safar 's son , said his father had been at a fruit and veg stall buying groceries to help with the funeral for one of his friend 's brothers .
Mr Casey said that his father was `` an honest , hardworking man '' who was admired and loved by his family and friends .
He added : `` Since the day of the horrendous and inhumane act @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our lives have been filled with nothing but sadness and misery .
`` The man whose life was unnecessarily and unfairly taken away was more than our father , he was the foundation of our lives .
`` He was the sole carer for his disabled wife and a role model for his three children - the youngest of which was only eight years old at the time of the horrific incident .
`` Our father was an honest , hardworking man who was admired and loved by his family and friends .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ friends was endless . ''
Scotland Yard said that officers were called to reports of a pedestrian struck by a car which had mounted the pavement in Quex Road , Camden , at about 12.40pm on September 29 2018 .
The London Air Ambulance was scrambled and 60-year-old Mr Al-Safar was rushed to hospital in a critical condition but later died from his injuries , the force added .
Police said that the car did not stop at the scene but was found nearby .
Miah , who was driving the car , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but an investigation established the collision was not deliberate , the Met added .
Detective Constable Sid Acharya said Miah had only passed his driving test within two weeks of the day of the collision and had been driving over the 20mph speed limit for the road .
He added : `` On September 29 2018 , Miah drove his car dangerously which led to the death of Mr Al-Safar .
`` His actions on that day have left a family with the loss of a caring and devoted son , husband , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a busy time of the day and luckily nobody else was killed or seriously injured by the collision or afterwards when Miah drove away from the scene dangerously .
`` I hope this sentence sends out a message to new and experienced drivers that they need to maintain the standard of driving required for a licence and must drive on the road as competent drivers . ''

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A newly-qualified driver who mounted the pavement and killed an "honest and hardworking" father who was buying groceries for a friend's funeral has been jailed.
Mohammed Muttaqabbir Miah was sentenced at Harrow Crown Court on Thursday to five years in jail for causing the death of pedestrian Diah Hamed Al-Safar by dangerous driving.
The 26-year-old, from Camden, was found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving, dangerous driving and failing to stop on December 2 last year following a trial, the Met Police said.
Miah, who had passed his driving test only two weeks before the incident in September 2018, was also disqualified from driving for four years.
In a statement read to the court Ben Casey, Mr Al-Safar's son, said his father had been at a fruit and veg stall buying groceries to help with the funeral for one of his friend's brothers.
Mr Casey said that his father was "an honest, hardworking man" who was admired and loved by his family and friends.
He added: "Since the day of the horrendous and inhumane act which was committed in September 2018, our lives have been filled with nothing but sadness and misery.
"The man whose life was unnecessarily and unfairly taken away was more than our father, he was the foundation of our lives.
"He was the sole carer for his disabled wife and a role model for his three children - the youngest of which was only eight years old at the time of the horrific incident.
"Our father was an honest, hardworking man who was admired and loved by his family and friends.
"His support and love for his friends was endless."
Scotland Yard said that officers were called to reports of a pedestrian struck by a car which had mounted the pavement in Quex Road, Camden, at about 12.40pm on September 29 2018.
The London Air Ambulance was scrambled and 60-year-old Mr Al-Safar was rushed to hospital in a critical condition but later died from his injuries, the force added.
Police said that the car did not stop at the scene but was found nearby.
Miah, who was driving the car, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder but an investigation established the collision was not deliberate, the Met added.
Detective Constable Sid Acharya said Miah had only passed his driving test within two weeks of the day of the collision and had been driving over the 20mph speed limit for the road.
He added: "On September 29 2018, Miah drove his car dangerously which led to the death of Mr Al-Safar.
"His actions on that day have left a family with the loss of a caring and devoted son, husband, father and friend.
"It was a busy time of the day and luckily nobody else was killed or seriously injured by the collision or afterwards when Miah drove away from the scene dangerously.
"I hope this sentence sends out a message to new and experienced drivers that they need to maintain the standard of driving required for a licence and must drive on the road as competent drivers."


birminghammail--2020-01-09--I'm A Celebrity spin-off show Extra Camp axed by ITV

I 'm A Celebrity ... Get Me Out Of Here !
spin-off show Extra Camp has been cancelled by ITV .
The companion programme has aired on ITV2 alongside the main reality show since 2002 , but the broadcaster has pulled it so they can focus on their primetime schedule going forward .
Host Joel Dommett shared the `` sad news '' in a post on Instagram .
He wrote : `` The time has unfortunately come to put Extra Camp to bed in its uncomfortable hammock .
The show will no longer continue .
`` It 's been a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ show with such a rich history filled with amazing hosts . ''
He joked that the show 's producers assured him that he and his co-hosts Emily Atack and Adam Thomas are `` not to blame '' , and that `` they said the show was better than ever and also that Joel is the sexiest presenter we have ever had ( I was n't listening but it was something like that ) '' .
Comedian Dommett , who has presented the last three series , said that the cancellation `` is simply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it 's on and the funds will be used in more prime time slots '' and joked that Thomas would host it `` for free but the decision is made '' .
He said : `` Thank you to all the crew who have made this the most wonderful three years , you have shaped me as a person and presenter .
I 've learnt so much .
Thank you to everyone for watching # extracamp . ''
Inbetweeners actress Atack , who joined to host the 2019 alongside Thomas , said that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for reasons beyond our control , financial stuff , they 've decided not to go again '' .
In a video shared on her Instagram stories , the I 'm A Celebrity 2018 runner-up added : `` Adam Thomas is blaming himself , which is making me piss myself .
It 's not you Adam , it 's probably me .
`` In all seriousness , thank you to everybody who watched and enjoyed it , we had so much fun doing it and I learnt so much on there .
`` The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people ever and there are going to be a lot of sad people today on the production .
I love you guys , I 've never worked with such professional , amazing , hilarious , great people , but there 's lots of exciting things to come with us all . ''
She added : `` It 's all good , it 's the way of the business . ''
Ex-Emmerdale star Thomas , who was in the 2016 series of I 'm A Celebrity alongside Dommett , wrote on Instagram : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a show that 's been running for years ... you do one show and it gets cancelled !
! ''
He said he wishes he `` could have had another go '' , but that he was proud to have been a presenter on the long-running show .
Previous presenters on Extra Camp , which was called I 'm A Celebrity ... Get Me Out Of Here !
NOW !
until 2015 , have included Caroline Flack , Joe Swash , Stacey Solomon , Laura Whitmore , Vicky Pattison and Scarlett Moffatt .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ has loved having Extra Camp on the channel and would like to thank all the production team for their hard work over the years , the fantastic on screen presenters and the brilliant hard working crew behind the scenes .
`` It 'll be sad to bring the curtain down on the show but the focus for ITV2 is the primetime schedule . ''

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I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! spin-off show Extra Camp has been cancelled by ITV.
The companion programme has aired on ITV2 alongside the main reality show since 2002, but the broadcaster has pulled it so they can focus on their primetime schedule going forward.
Host Joel Dommett shared the "sad news" in a post on Instagram.
He wrote: "The time has unfortunately come to put Extra Camp to bed in its uncomfortable hammock. The show will no longer continue.
"It's been a huge privilege to be a part a show with such a rich history filled with amazing hosts."
(Image: REX/Shutterstock)
He joked that the show's producers assured him that he and his co-hosts Emily Atack and Adam Thomas are "not to blame", and that "they said the show was better than ever and also that Joel is the sexiest presenter we have ever had (I wasn't listening but it was something like that)".
Comedian Dommett, who has presented the last three series, said that the cancellation "is simply because it's expensive given how late it's on and the funds will be used in more prime time slots" and joked that Thomas would host it "for free but the decision is made".
He said: "Thank you to all the crew who have made this the most wonderful three years, you have shaped me as a person and presenter. I've learnt so much. Thank you to everyone for watching #extracamp."
Inbetweeners actress Atack, who joined to host the 2019 alongside Thomas, said that the decision "is very sad but for reasons beyond our control, financial stuff, they've decided not to go again".
In a video shared on her Instagram stories, the I'm A Celebrity 2018 runner-up added: "Adam Thomas is blaming himself, which is making me piss myself. It's not you Adam, it's probably me.
"In all seriousness, thank you to everybody who watched and enjoyed it, we had so much fun doing it and I learnt so much on there.
"The people at ITV are the hardest working people ever and there are going to be a lot of sad people today on the production. I love you guys, I've never worked with such professional, amazing, hilarious, great people, but there's lots of exciting things to come with us all."
She added: "It's all good, it's the way of the business."
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Ex-Emmerdale star Thomas, who was in the 2016 series of I'm A Celebrity alongside Dommett, wrote on Instagram: "Imagine your first ever presenting role on a show that's been running for years... you do one show and it gets cancelled!!"
He said he wishes he "could have had another go", but that he was proud to have been a presenter on the long-running show.
Previous presenters on Extra Camp, which was called I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! NOW! until 2015, have included Caroline Flack, Joe Swash, Stacey Solomon, Laura Whitmore, Vicky Pattison and Scarlett Moffatt.
An ITV spokesman said: "ITV2 has loved having Extra Camp on the channel and would like to thank all the production team for their hard work over the years, the fantastic on screen presenters and the brilliant hard working crew behind the scenes.
"It'll be sad to bring the curtain down on the show but the focus for ITV2 is the primetime schedule."


birminghammail--2020-01-09--Here's what happened in the Leicester City tunnel as Aston Villa were denied victory

Aston Villa set up a mouthwatering Carabao Cup semi-final first leg by claiming a deserved 1-1 draw against Leicester City .
Villa were denied a victory at the King Power Stadium after Kelechi Ihaenacho struck an equaliser for the hosts in the second-half .
Frederic Guilbert had put Dean Smith ’ s side in front after 28 minutes with his second goal in Villa colours since arriving from Caen .
We ’ ve taken a look at Leicester ’ s tunnel cam to get a glimpse of what happened before and after Wednesday night 's tie .
As the Villa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ahead of kick-off , Jack Grealish made a beeline for one Leicester player in particular .
He approached the long opposition line and hugged Ben Chilwell .
The pair played together for England under-21s and are known to be friends .
Chilwell also offered a warm embrace to Tyrone Mings – his Three Lions team-mate at senior level .
Mings was then given a pre-match boost from the doctor , sniffing what looked like smelling salts or something similar .
There was also a nice greeting between coaches John Terry and Kolo Toure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been regular Premier League foes during their days at Chelsea and Arsenal respectively .
At full-time , Conor Hourihane swapped shirts with Jamie Vardy .
Or more accurately , a one-way swap took place !
Vardy took his jersey off and handed it to Hourihane , but hastily scampered back into the dressing room before the Villa midfielder had the chance to return the favour .
Awkward .
Kortney Hause and Hamza Choudhury then showed how to do it properly , shaking hands and hugging before retreating with the other ’ s match-worn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ video on LCFCTV here .

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Aston Villa set up a mouthwatering Carabao Cup semi-final first leg by claiming a deserved 1-1 draw against Leicester City.
Villa were denied a victory at the King Power Stadium after Kelechi Ihaenacho struck an equaliser for the hosts in the second-half.
Frederic Guilbert had put Dean Smith’s side in front after 28 minutes with his second goal in Villa colours since arriving from Caen.
We’ve taken a look at Leicester’s tunnel cam to get a glimpse of what happened before and after Wednesday night's tie.
As the Villa players emerged from the away dressing room ahead of kick-off, Jack Grealish made a beeline for one Leicester player in particular.
(Image: Aston Villa FC via Getty Images)
He approached the long opposition line and hugged Ben Chilwell. The pair played together for England under-21s and are known to be friends.
Chilwell also offered a warm embrace to Tyrone Mings – his Three Lions team-mate at senior level.
Mings was then given a pre-match boost from the doctor, sniffing what looked like smelling salts or something similar.
There was also a nice greeting between coaches John Terry and Kolo Toure in the tunnel, the duo having been regular Premier League foes during their days at Chelsea and Arsenal respectively.
At full-time, Conor Hourihane swapped shirts with Jamie Vardy. Or more accurately, a one-way swap took place!
Vardy took his jersey off and handed it to Hourihane, but hastily scampered back into the dressing room before the Villa midfielder had the chance to return the favour. Awkward.
Kortney Hause and Hamza Choudhury then showed how to do it properly, shaking hands and hugging before retreating with the other’s match-worn shirt.
You can watch the full video on LCFCTV here.


birminghammail--2020-01-09--Aston Villa handed potential boost over ambitious Krzysztof Piatek transfer - reports

Lyon have reportedly pulled out of the race to sign Krzysztof Piatek because they feel they can not compete with interest from England .
Aston Villa are said to be among the clubs chasing the Poland international as they bid to bring in attacking reinforcements .
Crystal Palace , Newcastle United and Tottenham are also thought to be interested , with Spurs claimed to be favourites for his signature because they can offer Champions League football .
Lyon have been linked too but according to L ’ Équipe ( via GFFN ) , the French side have pulled out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The report claims Lyon have decided against making a concrete offer for Piatek as the competition from this side of the Channel is too strong and they do not want to be drawn into a bidding war .
That could open the door for a Premier League club to make their move , with Milan thought to be open to letting Piatek go for the right price after re-signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic .
The 24-year-old arrived at the San Siro for £30m from Genoa last year and Milan would want to recoup over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Villa are in the market for a new forward having lost Wesley Moraes for the rest of the season , while Keinan Davis continues his recovery from a hamstring injury .
Jonathan Kodjia missed the midweek Carabao Cup clash at Leicester City with Dean Smith putting his absence down to an illness .

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Lyon have reportedly pulled out of the race to sign Krzysztof Piatek because they feel they cannot compete with interest from England.
Aston Villa are said to be among the clubs chasing the Poland international as they bid to bring in attacking reinforcements.
Crystal Palace, Newcastle United and Tottenham are also thought to be interested, with Spurs claimed to be favourites for his signature because they can offer Champions League football.
Lyon have been linked too but according to L’Équipe (via GFFN), the French side have pulled out of the race for a switch this month.
The report claims Lyon have decided against making a concrete offer for Piatek as the competition from this side of the Channel is too strong and they do not want to be drawn into a bidding war.
That could open the door for a Premier League club to make their move, with Milan thought to be open to letting Piatek go for the right price after re-signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
The 24-year-old arrived at the San Siro for £30m from Genoa last year and Milan would want to recoup over two-thirds of that fee to sell.
Villa are in the market for a new forward having lost Wesley Moraes for the rest of the season, while Keinan Davis continues his recovery from a hamstring injury.
Jonathan Kodjia missed the midweek Carabao Cup clash at Leicester City with Dean Smith putting his absence down to an illness.


birminghammail--2020-01-09--Crash at busy Wolverhampton junction during rush hour leaves two injured

Two cars crashed at a busy Wolverhampton junction during rush hour on Thursday evening .
Emergency services were called to @ @ @ @ @ New Road meets Shaw Road in Bilston .
Two women suffered minor injuries in the @ @ @ @ @ ( January 9 ) .
Traffic was disrupted following the collision as one lane was @ @ @ @ @ the aftermath .
Network West Midlands advised motorists to 'allow extra time ' for their @ @ @ @ @ West Midlands Fire Service said : `` We were called at 6.37pm to a collision @ @ @ @ @ in Wolverhampton .
`` Two crews attended the scene where two cars were in collision @ @ @ @ @ Two women suffered minor injuries .
Police were also in attendance .
`` Both cars @ @ @ @ @ left the scene at 7pm . ''
Keep up-to-date with all things Wolverhampton on our @ @ @ @ @ you 'll get the latest news , travel , weather and events in your area @

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Two cars crashed at a busy Wolverhampton junction during rush hour on Thursday evening.
Emergency services were called to the scene where the Birmingham New Road meets Shaw Road in Bilston .
Two women suffered minor injuries in the crash just after 6.30pm today (January 9).
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Traffic was disrupted following the collision as one lane was closed while emergency services cleared the aftermath.
Network West Midlands advised motorists to 'allow extra time' for their journeys.
A spokesman for West Midlands Fire Service said: "We were called at 6.37pm to a collision on the Birmingham New Road in Wolverhampton.
"Two crews attended the scene where two cars were in collision on the roadway.
"Two women suffered minor injuries. Police were also in attendance.
"Both cars were made safe and crew left the scene at 7pm."
Keep up-to-date with all things Wolverhampton on our Wolverhampton Facebook page - where you'll get the latest news, travel, weather and events in your area.


birminghammail--2020-01-09--‘Is he having a laugh?’ - Aston Villa fans shocked by pundit’s stunning claim

Aston Villa fans can ’ t believe what talkSPORT presenter Adrian Durham ’ s has said about Tyrone Mings .
In a debate with former Villa striker Darren Bent , Durham claimed that Mings isn ’ t close to being one of the best English centre-backs in the Premier League .
Durham reeled off the names of no fewer than SEVEN centre-halves from England he sensationally claimed are better than Mings .
According to the outspoken radio personality , Lewis Dunk , John Stones , Harry Maguire , Joe Gomez , Fikayo Tomori , Jack O'Connell and Conor Coady are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mings made his Three Lions debut against Bulgaria in October and earned his second cap against Kosovo the following month .
But Durham says there are plenty of superior options for Gareth Southgate to call upon .
@ Everysongsung : Still annoyed about looking silly when you claimed after the first game of the season that Mings had already played as well as he was going to play this season by any chance ?
@ LukeWall_98 : He ca n't be serious here ... @ DanBardell : Is that a list of 7 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Durham has slagged Mings off since day away at spurs .
All 7 defenders his named there are very good no denying that all very good players .
But what hasn ’ t Mings got what they have ?
His quick strong good in the Air good on the ball and also a very good leader .
@ BoysAston : He literally does it for the ratings , he knows it will get people talking about TS and gets his ratings up .
Hasn ’ t got a clue about football .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ how Villa were transformed against Burnley by having Mings back on the side ?
@ UptheVilla96 : Is he having a laugh ?
@ JonnyHorton88 : Just when you think you ’ ve heard it all .

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Aston Villa fans can’t believe what talkSPORT presenter Adrian Durham’s has said about Tyrone Mings.
In a debate with former Villa striker Darren Bent, Durham claimed that Mings isn’t close to being one of the best English centre-backs in the Premier League.
Durham reeled off the names of no fewer than SEVEN centre-halves from England he sensationally claimed are better than Mings.
According to the outspoken radio personality, Lewis Dunk, John Stones, Harry Maguire, Joe Gomez, Fikayo Tomori, Jack O'Connell and Conor Coady are all better than the Villa star.
(Image: 2020 Aston Villa FC)
Mings made his Three Lions debut against Bulgaria in October and earned his second cap against Kosovo the following month.
But Durham says there are plenty of superior options for Gareth Southgate to call upon.
Here’s how Villa fans have reacted:
@_ElliotAV: PAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAH.
@Everysongsung: Still annoyed about looking silly when you claimed after the first game of the season that Mings had already played as well as he was going to play this season by any chance?
@LukeWall_98: He can't be serious here...
@DanBardell: Is that a list of 7 that aren’t?
@Thomasavfc12: Durham has slagged Mings off since day away at spurs . All 7 defenders his named there are very good no denying that all very good players . But what hasn’t Mings got what they have ? His quick strong good in the Air good on the ball and also a very good leader.
@BoysAston: He literally does it for the ratings, he knows it will get people talking about TS and gets his ratings up. Hasn’t got a clue about football.
@Danosulli44: Hahahahhahahhha!
@Al_martin71: Did he not see how Villa were transformed against Burnley by having Mings back on the side?
@UptheVilla96: Is he having a laugh?
@JonnyHorton88: Just when you think you’ve heard it all.


birminghammail--2020-01-09--Live updates - College Road in Handsworth closed after woman seriously injured in hit-and-run

A major road in Handsworth is currently closed following a hit-and-run crash .
Police are urgently appealing for witnesses following the incident which has left a woman in a critical condition .
The 40-year-old was hit by the vehicle that failed to stop just before 7pm .
There is a cordon in place on College Road and uniformed police and traffic investigators are on the scene .
West Midlands Police told BirminghamLive the driver of the vehicle stopped to speak to two members of the public before getting back into his car and driving off .
This is a breaking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it .
Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for the latest news .
We are also on Instagram .
If you are on the go , the Birmingham Live app helps bring you closer to the latest news where you live .
Available on iPhone and Android , the app can be tailor made to bring you the latest on what matters to you .
Breaking news , the latest on your football club , the pick of the weeks events and the latest travel - you can tailor the app to suit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the biggest stories to you first .
Download it on iPhone and Android .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Jayne Thomson,  birminghammail.co.uk)

A major road in Handsworth is currently closed following a hit-and-run crash.
Police are urgently appealing for witnesses following the incident which has left a woman in a critical condition. The 40-year-old was hit by the vehicle that failed to stop just before 7pm.
There is a cordon in place on College Road and uniformed police and traffic investigators are on the scene.
West Midlands Police told BirminghamLive the driver of the vehicle stopped to speak to two members of the public before getting back into his car and driving off.
This is a breaking news story. We will be updating it.
Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for the latest news. We are also on Instagram.
If you are on the go, the Birmingham Live app helps bring you closer to the latest news where you live.
Available on iPhone and Android , the app can be tailor made to bring you the latest on what matters to you.
Breaking news, the latest on your football club, the pick of the weeks events and the latest travel - you can tailor the app to suit you.
Our push notifications help highlight the biggest stories to you first.
Download it on iPhone and Android .


birminghammail--2020-01-09--GAME announces 40 store closures across the UK

GAME has announced a string of store closures across the UK .
The retailer has confirmed it plans to close 40 shops after a disappointing Christmas period .
The gaming store is the latest company to announce it plans to close branches in a bid to help the business and had already served notices in around 13 sites when the news was announced on Thursday , including Mansfield , Canterbury , Watford , Glasgow Fort and Leicester .
Another 14 sites were also served notices on January 8 , mostly in outlets owned by Intu and New River , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bexleyheath and Carmarthen .
A spokesperson for GAME said : “ We are working closely with landlords throughout the UK to ensure that we do not have to vacate the 40 locations which could lead to a number of job losses .
`` However , we are facing a challenging retail market and GAME with its extensive retail footprint , needs to restructure and landlords need to work with us in setting realistic , fair rents.
” Meanwhile HMV has announced it 'll be closing its Bullring store within weeks .
It 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's days as a core Birmingham city centre business .
The entertainment giant used to have a branch in the Pavilions shopping centre next to Waterstones on High Street , but that complex was closed in May 2016 to make way for the world 's biggest Primark which opened on April 11 , 2019 .
Employees spoken to by BirminghamLive said they had not been given a definitive closing date to pull down the shutters inside the Bullring , but the consensus was that it was likely to be at the end of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Bullring said the shopping centre 's owner Hammerson had helped HMV to reclocate in the autumn .
“ We can confirm that the HMV store at the Bullring is due to close .
`` We continue to offer a great range of technology and entertainment at Bullring & Grand Central including Game , Sky and within John Lewis and Selfridges , and look forward to introducing a new offer to the centre in due course .
”

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GAME has announced a string of store closures across the UK.
The retailer has confirmed it plans to close 40 shops after a disappointing Christmas period.
The gaming store is the latest company to announce it plans to close branches in a bid to help the business and had already served notices in around 13 sites when the news was announced on Thursday, including Mansfield, Canterbury, Watford, Glasgow Fort and Leicester.
Another 14 sites were also served notices on January 8, mostly in outlets owned by Intu and New River, including Derby, Norwich Chapelfield, Lakeside, Bexleyheath and Carmarthen.
(Image: Mirror Screen Grab)
A spokesperson for GAME said: “We are working closely with landlords throughout the UK to ensure that we do not have to vacate the 40 locations which could lead to a number of job losses.
"However, we are facing a challenging retail market and GAME with its extensive retail footprint, needs to restructure and landlords need to work with us in setting realistic, fair rents.”
Meanwhile HMV has announced it'll be closing its Bullring store within weeks.
It's closing down sale will end the company's days as a core Birmingham city centre business.
The entertainment giant used to have a branch in the Pavilions shopping centre next to Waterstones on High Street, but that complex was closed in May 2016 to make way for the world's biggest Primark which opened on April 11, 2019.
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Employees spoken to by BirminghamLive said they had not been given a definitive closing date to pull down the shutters inside the Bullring, but the consensus was that it was likely to be at the end of January.
A statement issued on behalf of the Bullring said the shopping centre's owner Hammerson had helped HMV to reclocate in the autumn.
“We can confirm that the HMV store at the Bullring is due to close.
"HMV recently opened Europe's largest entertainment store with Hammerson, HMV Vault, at Birmingham’s Dale End.
"We continue to offer a great range of technology and entertainment at Bullring & Grand Central including Game, Sky and within John Lewis and Selfridges, and look forward to introducing a new offer to the centre in due course.”


birminghammail--2020-01-09--Dancing on Ice reveals the songs the couples will skate to this week

Week two of Dancing on Ice sees the second half of the contestants take to the ice to perform with their professional partners .
Six couples will skate this Sunday in the hopes of avoiding the dreaded skate-off , where one couple will join Trisha Goddard and her partner Lucasz Rozycki .
Among the celebrities skating this weekend are Love Island 's Maura Higgins , former footballer Kevin Kilbane and Caprice .
And now we know what songs they will all be skating to on the live show .
Jump ( For My Love ) - The Pointer Sisters Last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ice 's make history as its first same-sex couple performed together .
Alongside professional skater Matt Evers , Steps star Ian ' H ' Watkins competed on prime-time TV , skating to High Hopes by Panic !
At The Disco .
Their performance prompted raucous cheers from the studio audience and scored a total of 25 points out of a possible 40 from the judges .
Following the routine , Watkins , who is gay , sobbed as he explained why dancing with a man had meant so much to him .
Asked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said : `` Emotional because I have wanted this for so long and it means so much to so many people .
And the world is ready for this . ''
Dancing on Ice continues on Sunday at 6pm on ITV .

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Week two of Dancing on Ice sees the second half of the contestants take to the ice to perform with their professional partners.
Six couples will skate this Sunday in the hopes of avoiding the dreaded skate-off, where one couple will join Trisha Goddard and her partner Lucasz Rozycki.
Among the celebrities skating this weekend are Love Island's Maura Higgins, former footballer Kevin Kilbane and Caprice.
And now we know what songs they will all be skating to on the live show.
(Image: Getty Images)
This week's songs
Caprice and Hamish Gaman
Someone you loved - Lewis Capaldi
Kevin Kilbane and Brianne Delcourt
Mr Blue Sky - Electric Light Orchestra
Libby Clegg and Mark Hanretty
Reet Petite - Jackie Wilson
Lucrezia Millarini and Brendyn Hatfield
Jump (For My Love) - The Pointer Sisters
Maura Higgins and Alexandra Demetriou
Juice - Lizzo
Radzi Chinyanganya and Jess Hatfield
Cake By The Ocean - DNCE
Last week's launch show saw Dancing on Ice's make history as its first same-sex couple performed together.
Alongside professional skater Matt Evers, Steps star Ian 'H' Watkins competed on prime-time TV, skating to High Hopes by Panic! At The Disco.
Their performance prompted raucous cheers from the studio audience and scored a total of 25 points out of a possible 40 from the judges.
Following the routine, Watkins, who is gay, sobbed as he explained why dancing with a man had meant so much to him.
Asked how he felt following the routine, he said: "Emotional because I have wanted this for so long and it means so much to so many people. And the world is ready for this."
Dancing on Ice continues on Sunday at 6pm on ITV.


birminghammail--2020-01-09--This is what must happen for Aston Villa to complete Pepe Reina transfer – reports

Aston Villa will have to wait until AC Milan have a new goalkeeper lined up before the deal for Pepe Reina goes through , according to reports .
Reina is a target for Villa who want to sign cover for Tom Heaton this month after the England international was sidelined for the remainder of the campaign .
Heaton suffered knee ligament damage in Villa 's last Premier League match - the 2-1 win against Burnley on New Year 's Day - and wo n't play again this season .
A deal for Reina is being looked at and although reports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ move was agreed , the stopper ’ s agent Manuel Garcia Quilon revealed on Thursday that isn ’ t the case .
Quilon was approached by Sky Italia after he left Milan ’ s offices earlier today and asked whether an agreement had been reached .
He replied ‘ No ’ before getting into a car and being driven away .
Now , more quotes have emerged with Qulion explaining Milan want to bring in a replacement for Reina before he is allowed to sign for Villa .
“ There ’ s no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saying .
“ We continue to negotiate , but the Rossoneri would like to bring in a replacement first.
” Reina has been providing backup to Italy international Gianluigi Donnarumma at the San Siro , with the majority of his appearances coming in the Europa League since joining from Napoli .
Reports suggest Villa want the 37-year-old to cancel his contract with Milan before signing a six-month deal with them that includes the option of a further 12 months .

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Aston Villa will have to wait until AC Milan have a new goalkeeper lined up before the deal for Pepe Reina goes through, according to reports.
Reina is a target for Villa who want to sign cover for Tom Heaton this month after the England international was sidelined for the remainder of the campaign.
Heaton suffered knee ligament damage in Villa's last Premier League match - the 2-1 win against Burnley on New Year's Day - and won't play again this season.
A deal for Reina is being looked at and although reports in the Italian press had claimed a move was agreed, the stopper’s agent Manuel Garcia Quilon revealed on Thursday that isn’t the case.
Quilon was approached by Sky Italia after he left Milan’s offices earlier today and asked whether an agreement had been reached. He replied ‘No’ before getting into a car and being driven away.
Now, more quotes have emerged with Qulion explaining Milan want to bring in a replacement for Reina before he is allowed to sign for Villa.
“There’s no agreement,” he is reported as saying. “We continue to negotiate, but the Rossoneri would like to bring in a replacement first.”
Reina has been providing backup to Italy international Gianluigi Donnarumma at the San Siro, with the majority of his appearances coming in the Europa League since joining from Napoli.
Reports suggest Villa want the 37-year-old to cancel his contract with Milan before signing a six-month deal with them that includes the option of a further 12 months.


birminghammail--2020-01-09--Drivers warned of significant disruption as gas leak closes main road in Streetly

Motorists are being warned of significant disruption after workers closed a main road following a gas leak .
Rosemary Hill @ @ @ @ @ closed to Southbound traffic from Highbury Road to the roundabout with Thornhill Road , as @ @ @ @ @ to stop the gas escape .
A list of diversions are in force and drivers @ @ @ @ @ alternative routes .
Drivers coming from Thornhill Road , Hardwick Road and Roman Road who @ @ @ @ @ Lane will be diverted onto Rosemary Hill Road , as the exit from the roundabout @ @ @ @ @ .
A Cadent spokesman said : “ Engineers from local gas network Cadent will be @ @ @ @ @ fix the leak .
Significant disruption is expected .
“ Drivers are advised to seek @ @ @ @ @ travel time.
” Traffic provider Inrix said : “ A higher volume of traffic along @ @ @ @ @ avoiding the closure of Thornhill Road Northbound , with traffic joining from Hardwick Road.
” @ @ @ @ @ of the eight gas distribution networks in the UK .

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Motorists are being warned of significant disruption after workers closed a main road following a gas leak.
Rosemary Hill Road in Streetly is currently closed to Southbound traffic from Highbury Road to the roundabout with Thornhill Road, as engineers work through the night to stop the gas escape.
A list of diversions are in force and drivers are being told to seek alternative routes.
Drivers coming from Thornhill Road, Hardwick Road and Roman Road who want to drive onto Streetly Lane will be diverted onto Rosemary Hill Road, as the exit from the roundabout is closed for all routes.
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A Cadent spokesman said: “Engineers from local gas network Cadent will be working through the night to fix the leak. Significant disruption is expected.
“Drivers are advised to seek alternative routes or leave extra travel time.”
Traffic provider Inrix said: “A higher volume of traffic along this stretch as traffic is avoiding the closure of Thornhill Road Northbound, with traffic joining from Hardwick Road.”
Cadent own and manage four of the eight gas distribution networks in the UK.


birminghammail--2020-01-09--Attempted murder probe after man hit with blunt object in vicious Tipton carjacking

A man is fighting for his life after a horrific carjacking in Tipton .
The 40-year-old victim was struck over the head with a blunt object as his van was stolen in Sedgley Road East .
He was left in the street with serious injuries and police say he remains in hospital in a critical condition following the attack .
Enquiries have established the attack happened around 7am , although emergency services were not made aware of the assault until just after 11am .
His stolen white transit van was found further along the same road after catching fire due @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Police is treating the incident - on Sunday , Janaury 5 - as an attempted murder .
CCTV footage has been released by the force in an appeal for witnesses to come forward .
You can see the footage above Officers are keen to hear from anyone who passed the van in Sedgley Road East between 7am and 7.30am and saw the attacker and car thief either with or fleeing from the vehicle .
DC Polly Venables , from force CID , said : `` A man has been left seriously injured and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ murder investigation .
`` The van was found further up the road and we urgently need to speak to anyone who saw the driver .
We know there were a number of cars who drove by and they could be crucial witnesses . ''
Anyone with information has been asked to get in touch via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk , via 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 .
Quote crime reference number 20SW/3874L/20 .
To keep up-to-date with crime in your community , join the Black Country Crime Watch Facebook group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suspicious or criminal behaviour happening in your area .

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A man is fighting for his life after a horrific carjacking in Tipton.
The 40-year-old victim was struck over the head with a blunt object as his van was stolen in Sedgley Road East.
He was left in the street with serious injuries and police say he remains in hospital in a critical condition following the attack.
Enquiries have established the attack happened around 7am, although emergency services were not made aware of the assault until just after 11am.
His stolen white transit van was found further along the same road after catching fire due to an electrical fault.
(Image: WMP)
West Midlands Police is treating the incident - on Sunday, Janaury 5 - as an attempted murder. CCTV footage has been released by the force in an appeal for witnesses to come forward.
You can see the footage above
Officers are keen to hear from anyone who passed the van in Sedgley Road East between 7am and 7.30am and saw the attacker and car thief either with or fleeing from the vehicle.
DC Polly Venables, from force CID, said: "A man has been left seriously injured and we're treating this as an attempted murder investigation.
"The van was found further up the road and we urgently need to speak to anyone who saw the driver. We know there were a number of cars who drove by and they could be crucial witnesses."
Anyone with information has been asked to get in touch via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk, via 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Quote crime reference number 20SW/3874L/20.
To keep up-to-date with crime in your community, join the Black Country Crime Watch Facebook group where you will be alerted to any suspicious or criminal behaviour happening in your area.