birminghammail--2020-10-20--Birmingham City star Jonathan Leko is an 'absolute steal' - coach

Jonathan Leko spent a decade in the West Bromwich Albion set-up , much of it as the jewel of an academy famed for finding and polishing young diamonds .
Most of them don ’ t make it as far as first team level but then Leko is not most players and he was only 16-years-old when he appeared in a pre-season friendly against Red Bull Salzburg .
His competitive debut came a few months later in September 2015 , when he was a 77th minute replacement for Stephane Sessegnon in a League Cup defeat at Norwich City - and in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ born in 1999 to appear in a Premier League match .
By then he was already a hot topic on the youth football grapevine , having already been watched by Chelsea , Tottenham Manchester City and Liverpool and any mention of his name at The Hawthorns saw wagons circle more quickly than you could say ‘ first professional contract ’ .
Tonight the 21-year-old has returned to Carrow Road hoping to take the next step of a career that still has mouthwatering potential .
However , the trajectory has not been uniformly upwards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Baggies in order to fulfil his undoubted promise and he has had to fight back from a serious knee injury , which until Saturday had prevented him from playing since December 2019 .
Even in the low-key surrounding of an empty St Andrew ’ s Leko came off the bench to send a defibrillator charge of energy through his team-mates .
Birmingham City still lost to Sheffield Wednesday but in 23 minutes Leko had Blues TV subscribers wondering whether it might be prudent to start him against the Canaries - as Aitor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a skillset no other Blues player can match – and it ’ s one Jimmy Shan has known about ever since he first set eyes on him as an 11-year-old .
Indeed Shan , now manager at Solihull Moors , has had a front row seat in the Jonathan Leko Show , working with him at most age groups at Albion and as the last Baggies boss to select him for the first team .
The former West Brom caretaker has seen the boy become a man - and the man work to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him .
“ I remember him coming at around the age of ten or 11 and I was in charge of opening the dome on a Saturday morning , ” Shan told BirminghamLive .
“ He would come in , get a ball , practise and work on his technique – he was always one with a passion for football and just as he does now , he liked to get on the ball and play .
“ As he grew up the speculation didn ’ t affect Jonathan , he is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ citizen and even as a youngster all he was concerned about was playing football and doing it with a smile – that ’ s Jonathan in a nutshell .
“ At 14-15 he stood out like a sore thumb because he has got an unbelievable ability to manage the ball in tight areas , an unbelievable ability to go by somebody and just have that knack to do something than many , many people can ’ t do .
“ At times you were just thinking ‘ Come on Jonathan , there ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ , then he would go past someone and create an opportunity for himself or others .
He was always , always a standout performer but what stuck out in those younger ages was his ability to go by people.
” As Leko rose through the ranks , so too did Shan and the Birmingham-born coach was development team manager at a time when Leko had one fleet foot in the Premier League and the other in Under 21 football .
That ’ s a difficult combination for a young mind to manage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with an early elevation followed by the challenges of repeating the right things once the spotlight isn ’ t there .
Leko would be taking on the likes of City , Liverpool and Manchester United at the weekend , then playing Fulham Under 21s on a Monday night .
“ I never experienced any downfall when he went from first team to development football at all , ” Shan says .
“ Quite the opposite in that my expectations of Jonathan would have increased because playing on that stage , I would expect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pitch every minute of every game .
Jonathan was just happy to get on with it and play and deal with my expectations .
“ I mean this sincerely , Jonathan is just a genuine young man who wants to play football .
I would imagine he would play with the same passion and enthusiasm if he was playing down the park with his mates , he ’ s just that kind of kid.
” Eventually Shan joined Leko at senior team level , when he was promoted to caretaker following Darren @ @ @ @ @ @ @ match together came in the Championship play-off semi final when Leko came off the bench but could not prevent Albion from losing a penalty shoot out to Aston Villa .
A few weeks later Slaven Bilic was appointed , Shan moved on and Leko was farmed out on loan to Charlton Athletic , with whom he injured his ACL last term .
Undeterred , a few months ago , Birmingham City paid £1milllion for his services and it is on the Blue side of the West Midlands where he will try to become @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would become for them .
“ Coming out of an environment where he was comfortable could be the making of him , ” Shan said .
“ When he first went to Charlton this time last year he was doing very well , which coincided with Charlton doing very well – top four , top five of the table .
“ I still followed his career and the reviews I had of Jonathan were very , very positive .
“ I think he can get back to the highs of where his career @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still very young , if he can get in the Birmingham team , play regular football week in and week out , get those games on his CV and become hardened to the level there is no reason why his ability can ’ t shine through and get back to the dizzy heights of the Premier League .
“ One fee that was bandied around at some stage was £5million from Spurs when he was 17 so it [ £1m ] would be an absolute steal .
“ You look at players who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you just want two things – an ability to create goals and an ability to score goals .
“ Now Jonathan has an abundance of an ability to create because he has got that ability to eliminate people , to create something from nothing , an electric pace , a directness , wants to get at people .
“ If he can fine tune that end product , that ball in or final pass – and add a goal threat to him , there is no stopping where Jonathan could end up .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that kind of player .
“ I look at – and it ’ s a slightly different set of circumstances – young Demarai Gray and Nathan Redmond at Birmingham when they came through .
“ They had that ability to get on the ball , get at people , that directness and ability to create .
There is no reason why he can ’ t follow in their footsteps.
” And those footsteps take him to Carrow Road tomorrow , five years after his first visit .

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Jonathan Leko spent a decade in the West Bromwich Albion set-up, much of it as the jewel of an academy famed for finding and polishing young diamonds.
Most of them don’t make it as far as first team level but then Leko is not most players and he was only 16-years-old when he appeared in a pre-season friendly against Red Bull Salzburg.
His competitive debut came a few months later in September 2015, when he was a 77th minute replacement for Stephane Sessegnon in a League Cup defeat at Norwich City - and in April 2016 he became the first player born in 1999 to appear in a Premier League match.
By then he was already a hot topic on the youth football grapevine, having already been watched by Chelsea, Tottenham Manchester City and Liverpool and any mention of his name at The Hawthorns saw wagons circle more quickly than you could say ‘first professional contract’.
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Tonight the 21-year-old has returned to Carrow Road hoping to take the next step of a career that still has mouthwatering potential.
However, the trajectory has not been uniformly upwards. Leko has been forced to leave the Baggies in order to fulfil his undoubted promise and he has had to fight back from a serious knee injury, which until Saturday had prevented him from playing since December 2019.
Even in the low-key surrounding of an empty St Andrew’s Leko came off the bench to send a defibrillator charge of energy through his team-mates. Birmingham City still lost to Sheffield Wednesday but in 23 minutes Leko had Blues TV subscribers wondering whether it might be prudent to start him against the Canaries - as Aitor Karanka has.
After all Leko possesses a skillset no other Blues player can match – and it’s one Jimmy Shan has known about ever since he first set eyes on him as an 11-year-old.
Indeed Shan, now manager at Solihull Moors, has had a front row seat in the Jonathan Leko Show, working with him at most age groups at Albion and as the last Baggies boss to select him for the first team.
The former West Brom caretaker has seen the boy become a man - and the man work to become the star his ability should make him.
“I remember him coming at around the age of ten or 11 and I was in charge of opening the dome on a Saturday morning,” Shan told BirminghamLive.
“He would come in, get a ball, practise and work on his technique – he was always one with a passion for football and just as he does now, he liked to get on the ball and play.
“As he grew up the speculation didn’t affect Jonathan, he is a real good character, a real solid citizen and even as a youngster all he was concerned about was playing football and doing it with a smile – that’s Jonathan in a nutshell.
“At 14-15 he stood out like a sore thumb because he has got an unbelievable ability to manage the ball in tight areas, an unbelievable ability to go by somebody and just have that knack to do something than many, many people can’t do.
“At times you were just thinking ‘Come on Jonathan, there’s no space, just pass it’, then he would go past someone and create an opportunity for himself or others. He was always, always a standout performer but what stuck out in those younger ages was his ability to go by people.”
As Leko rose through the ranks, so too did Shan and the Birmingham-born coach was development team manager at a time when Leko had one fleet foot in the Premier League and the other in Under 21 football.
That’s a difficult combination for a young mind to manage, several at Birmingham City have struggled with an early elevation followed by the challenges of repeating the right things once the spotlight isn’t there.
Leko would be taking on the likes of City, Liverpool and Manchester United at the weekend, then playing Fulham Under 21s on a Monday night.
“I never experienced any downfall when he went from first team to development football at all,” Shan says.
“Quite the opposite in that my expectations of Jonathan would have increased because playing on that stage, I would expect him to be the best player on the pitch every minute of every game. Jonathan was just happy to get on with it and play and deal with my expectations.
“I mean this sincerely, Jonathan is just a genuine young man who wants to play football. I would imagine he would play with the same passion and enthusiasm if he was playing down the park with his mates, he’s just that kind of kid.”
Eventually Shan joined Leko at senior team level, when he was promoted to caretaker following Darren Moore’s sacking.
Their final match together came in the Championship play-off semi final when Leko came off the bench but could not prevent Albion from losing a penalty shoot out to Aston Villa.
A few weeks later Slaven Bilic was appointed, Shan moved on and Leko was farmed out on loan to Charlton Athletic, with whom he injured his ACL last term.
Undeterred, a few months ago, Birmingham City paid £1milllion for his services and it is on the Blue side of the West Midlands where he will try to become the Leko everyone at Albion hoped he would become for them.
“Coming out of an environment where he was comfortable could be the making of him,” Shan said.
“When he first went to Charlton this time last year he was doing very well, which coincided with Charlton doing very well – top four, top five of the table.
“I still followed his career and the reviews I had of Jonathan were very, very positive.
“I think he can get back to the highs of where his career could possibly end up, he is still very young, if he can get in the Birmingham team , play regular football week in and week out, get those games on his CV and become hardened to the level there is no reason why his ability can’t shine through and get back to the dizzy heights of the Premier League.
“One fee that was bandied around at some stage was £5million from Spurs when he was 17 so it [£1m] would be an absolute steal.
“You look at players who play top end of the pitch and you just want two things – an ability to create goals and an ability to score goals.
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“Now Jonathan has an abundance of an ability to create because he has got that ability to eliminate people, to create something from nothing, an electric pace, a directness, wants to get at people.
“If he can fine tune that end product, that ball in or final pass – and add a goal threat to him, there is no stopping where Jonathan could end up.
“Clubs will pay a premium for that kind of player.
“I look at – and it’s a slightly different set of circumstances – young Demarai Gray and Nathan Redmond at Birmingham when they came through.
“They had that ability to get on the ball, get at people, that directness and ability to create. There is no reason why he can’t follow in their footsteps.”
And those footsteps take him to Carrow Road tomorrow, five years after his first visit.


birminghammail--2020-10-20--Aston Villa confirm 25-man Premier League squad

Aston Villa have submitted their 25-man squad to the Premier League - and Henri Lansbury is not included .
The midfielder has n't appeared in any of Villa 's top-flight matchday squads so far this season and with Dean Smith 's side out of the Carabao Cup is unlikely to feature in claret and blue anytime soon .
He was linked with a return to former club Nottingham Forest in the closing stages of the domestic window but Villa failed to offload him .
Lansbury has played just one minute of Premier League football since he came on for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defeat to Manchester City at Villa Park .
The 30-year-old , who arrived at the club for £3million in January 2017 , is out of contract at the end of the season .
Lansbury 's omission means there is space in the squad for fourth-choice goalkeeper Lovre Kalinic and backup right-back Frederic Guilbert .
Injured pair Tom Heaton and Wesley Moraes are also included as they enter the final stages of their recoveries from the knee problems sustained in January .
Each Premier League club also submits an additional list of each club @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over and above the squad limit of 25 players , with players born on or after January 1 , 1999 qualifying for that criteria this season .
Villa 's 25-man squad and list of under-21 players as confirmed to the Premier League :

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Aston Villa have submitted their 25-man squad to the Premier League - and Henri Lansbury is not included.
The midfielder hasn't appeared in any of Villa's top-flight matchday squads so far this season and with Dean Smith's side out of the Carabao Cup is unlikely to feature in claret and blue anytime soon.
He was linked with a return to former club Nottingham Forest in the closing stages of the domestic window but Villa failed to offload him.
Lansbury has played just one minute of Premier League football since he came on for the final 11 minutes of January's 6-1 defeat to Manchester City at Villa Park.
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The 30-year-old, who arrived at the club for £3million in January 2017, is out of contract at the end of the season.
Lansbury's omission means there is space in the squad for fourth-choice goalkeeper Lovre Kalinic and backup right-back Frederic Guilbert.
Injured pair Tom Heaton and Wesley Moraes are also included as they enter the final stages of their recoveries from the knee problems sustained in January.
Each Premier League club also submits an additional list of each club's registered under-21 players who are eligible over and above the squad limit of 25 players, with players born on or after January 1, 1999 qualifying for that criteria this season.
Villa's 25-man squad and list of under-21 players as confirmed to the Premier League:
Barkley, Ross
Cash, Matthew Stuart
Davis, Keinan Vincent Joseph
Eissa, Ahmed Elmohamady Abdelfattah Aly
El Ghazi, Anwar
Engels, Bjorn Lionel G.
Grealish, Jack
Guilbert, Frederic
Hassan, Mahmoud Ahmed Ibrahim
Hause, Kortney Paul Duncan
Heaton, Thomas David
Hourihane, Conor
Kalinic, Lovre
Konsa, Ezri Ngoyo
Martinez Romero, Damian Emiliano
McGinn, John
Mings, Tyrone Deon
Moraes Ferreira Da Silva, Wesley
Nakamba, Marvelous
Soares De Paulo, Douglas Luiz
Steer, Jed John
Targett, Matthew Robert
Taylor, Neil John
Traore, Bertrand Isidore
Watkins, Oliver George Arthur
U21 players (Contract and Scholars)
Abldeen-Goodridge, Tristan Kareem
Appiah, Paul Nana Akwashi
Archer, Cameron Desmond
Barry, Louie Mark
Bogarde, Lamare Trenton Chansey
Bridge, Mungo Olayipo Oladapo Erogbogbo
Brunt, Lewis
Burton, Bradley
Campton-Sturridge, Dj
Chrisene, Benjamin Joshua
Chukwuemeka, Carney Chibueze
Clarke, Jack Aidan
Ealing, Frankie
Farr, Charlie Edward James
Guy, Ben Tyler
Hart, Taylor-Jay Phillip
Hayden, Kaine Kesler
Lane, Joshua Thomas
Lindley, Hayden Taylor
Marschall, Filip
McBride, Caolan James
O'Reilly, Aaron Christopher
O'Reilly, Tommi Dylan
Onodi, Akos Sandor
Philogene-Bidace, Jaden
Raikhy, Arjan Singh
Ramsey, Aaron James
Ramsey, Jacob
Reddin, Kahrel Azariah
Revan, Dominic
Revan, Sebastian Emmanuel
Rowe, Callum Miles
Rowe, Edward James
Sewell, Dewain Leon
Shakpoke, Ruben Okemute
Sinisalo, Viljami Kari Veikko
Sohna, Harrison Sheriff
Sohna, Myles Baboucarr
Swinkels, Sil Laurentius
Sylla Diallo, Mamadou
Tait Moran, Michael
Vassilev, Indiana Denchev
Walker, Jake
Wright, Tyreik Samuel
Young, Bradley Jamie Ethan
Zito, Patrick Tchuako
Zych, Oliwier


birminghammail--2020-10-20--Norwich City vs Birmingham City - in pictures

Birmingham City 's latest game took them to Norwich City - here 's the images from the match A long @ @ @ @ @ a Tuesday night .
We take a look at the pictures from the game

Norwich City vs Birmingham City - in pictures
Birmingham City's latest game took them to Norwich City - here's the images from the match
A long journey for Birmingham City on a Tuesday night. We take a look at the pictures from the game
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birminghammail--2020-10-20--Andy Street warns Birmingham faces tier 3 lockdown if cases continue to rise

West Midlands Mayor Andy Street has issued a statement on the coronavirus situation in Birmingham and the West Midlands .
Mr Street issued the statement on Tuesday via social media , having been on a phone call with Health Secretary Matt Hancock .
Mr Street 's statement landed after Greater Manchester became the latest region to enter Tier 3 on Tuesday .
Some North West residents have been subject to restrictions on household mixing since the end of July .
Amid the bitter recriminations between politicians in Westminster and Manchester , the lives of 2.8 million people will be placed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reporters in Manchester , Mayor Andy Burnham said leaders of the authorities in Greater Manchester had originally wanted £90 million - £15 million a month until the end of the financial year - to protect incomes for people forced out of work .
But his fellow Metro Mayor Mr Street says : `` There are no plans for any of the West Midlands to move into tier three of restrictions , and this is a position we must look to maintain for as long as possible .
`` Our case numbers are rising @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parts of the country - and if they continue to rise in the coming weeks we will have to begin dialogue with the government over whether tier 3 is appropriate .
`` Any move into tier three will require financial support .
`` But what I will not accept is a public , drawn-out negotiation with the government over what support is required . ''
Mr Street added : `` If we need to move to tier three , we have a serious public health situation on our hands .
`` A response @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Street then fleshed out his intent to draw up measures alongside local authority leaders well in advance of any move to tier three .
`` This would allow us to support and protest businesses '' , he said .
Mr Burnham has alleged the government has reduced that sum eventually to £65 million , but ministers would only offer £60 million .
The Prime Minister only confirmed a £22 million sum as he announced the new restrictions at a Downing Street press conference , money intended to implement and enforce the new rules @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the `` bare minimum to prevent a winter of real hardship '' over a `` punishing '' winter .
Mr Street urged Brummies and fellow Midlands residents to `` maintain social distancing , wear a face mask where appropriate , wash hands frequently and avoid mixing in other people 's homes . ''
He added : `` There is no subsitute for bringing the numbers of cases down .
In order to do this , ever single person must play their part . ''

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West Midlands Mayor Andy Street has issued a statement on the coronavirus situation in Birmingham and the West Midlands.
Mr Street issued the statement on Tuesday via social media, having been on a phone call with Health Secretary Matt Hancock.
Mr Street's statement landed after Greater Manchester became the latest region to enter Tier 3 on Tuesday.
Some North West residents have been subject to restrictions on household mixing since the end of July.
Amid the bitter recriminations between politicians in Westminster and Manchester, the lives of 2.8 million people will be placed under tougher curbs from Friday.
Addressing reporters in Manchester, Mayor Andy Burnham said leaders of the authorities in Greater Manchester had originally wanted £90 million - £15 million a month until the end of the financial year - to protect incomes for people forced out of work.
But his fellow Metro Mayor Mr Street says: "There are no plans for any of the West Midlands to move into tier three of restrictions, and this is a position we must look to maintain for as long as possible.
"Our case numbers are rising - albeit more slowly than in other parts of the country - and if they continue to rise in the coming weeks we will have to begin dialogue with the government over whether tier 3 is appropriate.
"Any move into tier three will require financial support.
"But what I will not accept is a public, drawn-out negotiation with the government over what support is required."
Mr Street added: "If we need to move to tier three, we have a serious public health situation on our hands.
"A response could not be delayed."
Mr Street then fleshed out his intent to draw up measures alongside local authority leaders well in advance of any move to tier three.
"This would allow us to support and protest businesses", he said.
Mr Burnham has alleged the government has reduced that sum eventually to £65 million, but ministers would only offer £60 million.
The Prime Minister only confirmed a £22 million sum as he announced the new restrictions at a Downing Street press conference, money intended to implement and enforce the new rules.
Mr Burnham said £65 million was the "bare minimum to prevent a winter of real hardship" over a "punishing" winter.
(Image: Darren Quinton/Birmingham Mail)
Mr Street urged Brummies and fellow Midlands residents to "maintain social distancing, wear a face mask where appropriate, wash hands frequently and avoid mixing in other people's homes."
He added: "There is no subsitute for bringing the numbers of cases down. In order to do this, ever single person must play their part."


birminghammail--2020-10-20--Jude Bellingham makes history as Borussia take on Lazio

Birmingham City product Jude Bellingham has tonight become the youngest English player ever to start a Champions League match .
@ @ @ @ @ in Borussia Dortmund ’ s team which takes on Lazio in the Stadio Olimpico this @ @ @ @ @ a star-studded Borussia line-up that also includes Jadon Sancho and Erling Braut Haaland as the @ @ @ @ @ F campaign .
Bellingham is in just his first season for Borussia having burst on @ @ @ @ @ last season , when he became the club ’ s youngest ever player and goalscorer @ @ @ @ @ make 44 appearances for Blues and score four goals before a huge £25million transfer to @ @ @ @ @ our Birmingham City newsletter here In just a few short months with BVB he has @ @ @ @ @ scored in his first game for England Under 21s .
In featuring against Lazio this @ @ @ @ @ set by Manchester City ’ s Phil Foden .

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Birmingham City product Jude Bellingham has tonight become the youngest English player ever to start a Champions League match.
The 17-year-old has been named in Borussia Dortmund’s team which takes on Lazio in the Stadio Olimpico this evening.
He plays in a star-studded Borussia line-up that also includes Jadon Sancho and Erling Braut Haaland as the Bundesliga outfit start their Group F campaign.
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Bellingham is in just his first season for Borussia having burst on to the scene with Blues last season, when he became the club’s youngest ever player and goalscorer.
He went on to make 44 appearances for Blues and score four goals before a huge £25million transfer to Dortmund.
In just a few short months with BVB he has made his Bundesliga debut and scored in his first game for England Under 21s.
In featuring against Lazio this evening he breaks a record set by Manchester City’s Phil Foden.


birminghammail--2020-10-20--Villa fans all make the same point about Phillips injury blow for Leeds

Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips has been ruled out of Friday 's clash against Aston Villa .
The England international is sidelined for up to six weeks with a shoulder injury he picked up in the defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday .
An update released on the Leeds website on Tuesday said : `` Whilst we are pleased to confirm that surgery is not required , the Leeds born England International could still face up to six weeks on the sidelines .
`` Kalvin began his rehab at Thorp Arch this morning and will be working hard with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ soon as possible . ''
A key player for the Whites , Phillips helped Marcelo Bielsa 's side to promotion last season and broke into the England team earlier this year .
The injury continues a trend of opposition players being ruled out of Premier League matches against Villa this term .
Striker Jamie Vardy and defender Caglar Soyuncu were sidelined for Leicester City as Ross Barkley 's late strike secured all three points for Villa at the King Power Stadium on Sunday .
Before the international break , Liverpool players Alisson Becker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ missing for the 7-2 demolition of the champions at Villa Park .
Plenty of Villa fans were quick to point out the trend on social media as they reacted to the Phillips update .
Richardxc : Liverpool was without Alisson and Mane , Leicester without Soyuncu and Vardy now Phillips is out for Villa v Leeds , who have Villa hired to put a curse on the rest of the Prem ?
Guy Bradley : Whoever is arranging for our opponents best players to get injured just before they play us , is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Anyone else starting to think we may go through the whole season playing teams with their best players missing ?
!
James : Teams ' key players getting injured just before they play us ?
Don Smith 's tricky Villans are gon na win the league ai n't they ?
!
Samir : Will this be a trend for the rest of the season ?
Kieran Hughes : The Villa effect ... ?
Seems as though each team we have played this season have had a major player missing for our match @

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Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips has been ruled out of Friday's clash against Aston Villa.
The England international is sidelined for up to six weeks with a shoulder injury he picked up in the defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday.
An update released on the Leeds website on Tuesday said: "Whilst we are pleased to confirm that surgery is not required, the Leeds born England International could still face up to six weeks on the sidelines.
"Kalvin began his rehab at Thorp Arch this morning and will be working hard with the medical team to return to action as soon as possible."
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A key player for the Whites, Phillips helped Marcelo Bielsa's side to promotion last season and broke into the England team earlier this year.
The injury continues a trend of opposition players being ruled out of Premier League matches against Villa this term.
Striker Jamie Vardy and defender Caglar Soyuncu were sidelined for Leicester City as Ross Barkley's late strike secured all three points for Villa at the King Power Stadium on Sunday.
Before the international break, Liverpool players Alisson Becker, Sadio Mane and Thiago Alcantra were missing for the 7-2 demolition of the champions at Villa Park.
Plenty of Villa fans were quick to point out the trend on social media as they reacted to the Phillips update.
Richardxc: Liverpool was without Alisson and Mane, Leicester without Soyuncu and Vardy now Phillips is out for Villa v Leeds, who have Villa hired to put a curse on the rest of the Prem?
Guy Bradley: Whoever is arranging for our opponents best players to get injured just before they play us, is doing an excellent job.
Dave Francis: Anyone else starting to think we may go through the whole season playing teams with their best players missing?!
James: Teams' key players getting injured just before they play us? Don Smith's tricky Villans are gonna win the league ain't they?!
Samir: Will this be a trend for the rest of the season?
Kieran Hughes: The Villa effect...? Seems as though each team we have played this season have had a major player missing for our match.


birminghammail--2020-10-20--Businesswoman and mum-of-two Jo Harrington dies aged just 48

Tributes have been paid to a top Birmingham businesswoman `` with a zest for life '' who has died aged just 48 .
Jo Harrington worked in media and publicity in the Midlands , including stints at Birmingham radio stations BRMB , Free Radio and Global .
Her devastated friends and colleagues paid tribute to her on Tuesday morning - saying she was the `` life and soul '' who helped and supported so many people .
Jo leaves behind a partner and two sons .
During her career Jo worked in sales , marketing and account management for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Publicity Association .
She also did a lot of work for charity , including LoveBrum UK .
Heart radio presenter Ed James , who worked with her in radio and the Birmingham Publicity Association , said : `` If you worked in the media industry , you would come across Jo .
`` She was a massive part of that scene and loved all things Birmingham and all things media .
She was so much fun - the life and soul , with bags of energy and a zest for life .
She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was always asking about you and how you were .
`` I only found out three weeks ago that she was seriously ill .
I 'd last seen her in March but had kept in touch with her over Facebook and her attitude had n't changed , despite her illness , she was still upbeat and positive and wanted to make the most of her life . ''
PJ Ellis , co-founder of the LoveBrum charity , said it would n't exist today if it was n't for the help and support Jo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ six years ago Jo was incredible in helping and supporting us and helping us get money , '' he said .
`` She worked in radio and put us in touch with so many people .
She also sat on our marketing committee along with other volunteers . ''
He said she pitched in and helped the charity pack the Bags for Brummies which were given out to the homeless at Christmas .
`` She was a sales person so had the gift of the gab .
She was massively helpful . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ had been diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour and contacted her .
`` She was upbeat right to the end and when I texted her and asked how she was , she replied : I 'm comfortable , but my card 's been called in early . ''
Tributes have also been paid on Twitter from former BRMB and Talk Sport host Tom Ross , who posted : `` Absolutely devastated to hear that former BRMB collegue Jo Harrington has passed away at the young age of 48 .
`` Spoke to her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a planned get-together .
Life can be so cruel.
`` Also paying tribute was Phil Riley , founder of Heart fm , who wrote : `` Tragic news for those of us steeped in Midlands radio , that Jo Harrington has passed away today .
`` One of the live wires of media in Brum for the last 30 years , she will be sorely missed by us all . ''
One of her friends , PR executive Claire Fry , said when Jo 's illness was known to be terminal , her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tributes '' to be compiled , containing pictures of her and also tributes from people who knew her .
`` This was put together before she passed away so we could let her know how loved and respected she was , '' Claire said .

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Tributes have been paid to a top Birmingham businesswoman "with a zest for life" who has died aged just 48.
Jo Harrington worked in media and publicity in the Midlands, including stints at Birmingham radio stations BRMB, Free Radio and Global.
Her devastated friends and colleagues paid tribute to her on Tuesday morning - saying she was the "life and soul" who helped and supported so many people.
Jo leaves behind a partner and two sons.
During her career Jo worked in sales, marketing and account management for a range of organisations, including the Birmingham Publicity Association (BPA).
She also did a lot of work for charity, including LoveBrum UK.
Heart radio presenter Ed James, who worked with her in radio and the Birmingham Publicity Association, said: "If you worked in the media industry, you would come across Jo.
"She was a massive part of that scene and loved all things Birmingham and all things media. She was so much fun - the life and soul, with bags of energy and a zest for life. She was such a very nice person who was always asking about you and how you were.
"I only found out three weeks ago that she was seriously ill. I'd last seen her in March but had kept in touch with her over Facebook and her attitude hadn't changed, despite her illness, she was still upbeat and positive and wanted to make the most of her life."
PJ Ellis, co-founder of the LoveBrum charity, said it wouldn't exist today if it wasn't for the help and support Jo gave them.
"When we started six years ago Jo was incredible in helping and supporting us and helping us get money," he said.
"She worked in radio and put us in touch with so many people. She also sat on our marketing committee along with other volunteers."
He said she pitched in and helped the charity pack the Bags for Brummies which were given out to the homeless at Christmas.
"She was a sales person so had the gift of the gab. She was massively helpful."
He found out in July that she had been diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour and contacted her.
"She was upbeat right to the end and when I texted her and asked how she was, she replied: I'm comfortable, but my card's been called in early."
Tributes have also been paid on Twitter from former BRMB and Talk Sport host Tom Ross, who posted: "Absolutely devastated to hear that former BRMB collegue Jo Harrington has passed away at the young age of 48.
"Spoke to her last week and she was talking about a planned get-together. Life can be so cruel. "
Also paying tribute was Phil Riley, founder of Heart fm, who wrote: "Tragic news for those of us steeped in Midlands radio, that Jo Harrington has passed away today.
"One of the live wires of media in Brum for the last 30 years, she will be sorely missed by us all."
One of her friends, BPA board member, Claire Fry, said when Jo's illness was known to be terminal, her friends arranged for a "book of tributes" to be compiled, containing pictures of her and also tributes from people who knew her.
"This was put together before she passed away so we could let her know how loved and respected she was," Claire said.


birminghammail--2020-10-20--Midlands county 'could move to Tier 3 lockdown' amid soaring Covid cases

Nottinghamshire could be moved into the highest coronavirus alert level , after it emerged county leaders were in discussions with the Government amid soaring cases in the region .
Talks are underway between the leaders of the Midlands county and the Government over plans to move the region into Tier 3 .
Boris Johnson confirmed the news in a press briefing this afternoon , October 20 .
In the briefing , the Prime Minister also revealed Greater Manchester would be going into the strictest tier from Friday .
He summarised the rules with the baseline Tier 3 restrictions , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , adult gaming centres , and soft play areas would all be closing too .
Mr Johnson added : `` Elsewhere discussions on moving to the very high alert level continue with local leaders in South Yorkshire , West Yorkshire , Nottinghamshire and the North East .
`` I hope and expect central and local government will continue to work closely together as we are seeing in Merseyside , in London , in Lancashire and in many other parts of the country .
`` Because ultimately , all of us want to protect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to save lives . ''
Businesses and residents across Nottingham and the wider county have been discussing their thoughts on further restrictions , which could be brought in as the area continues to have the highest rate of new cases in the country .
The leader of Nottingham City Council , David Mellen has said he is 'ready to fight ' for the city , in upcoming talks over possible new Covid restrictions expected this week .
Also in the press briefing , University of Nottingham 's Professor Jonathan Van Tam discussed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country among older age groups , despite a drop in the 0-19 and 20-29 groups .
This was particularly prevalent in the North of England and the Midlands .
He said there would be 'significant problems for the NHS ' if cases among the over 60s continued to rise .

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Nottinghamshire could be moved into the highest coronavirus alert level, after it emerged county leaders were in discussions with the Government amid soaring cases in the region.
Talks are underway between the leaders of the Midlands county and the Government over plans to move the region into Tier 3.
Boris Johnson confirmed the news in a press briefing this afternoon, October 20.
In the briefing, the Prime Minister also revealed Greater Manchester would be going into the strictest tier from Friday.
He summarised the rules with the baseline Tier 3 restrictions, but betting shops, casinos, bingo halls, adult gaming centres, and soft play areas would all be closing too.
Mr Johnson added: "Elsewhere discussions on moving to the very high alert level continue with local leaders in South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire and the North East.
"I hope and expect central and local government will continue to work closely together as we are seeing in Merseyside, in London, in Lancashire and in many other parts of the country.
"Because ultimately, all of us want to protect the NHS and in doing so, to save lives."
Businesses and residents across Nottingham and the wider county have been discussing their thoughts on further restrictions, which could be brought in as the area continues to have the highest rate of new cases in the country.
The leader of Nottingham City Council, David Mellen has said he is 'ready to fight' for the city, in upcoming talks over possible new Covid restrictions expected this week.
Also in the press briefing, University of Nottingham's Professor Jonathan Van Tam discussed the increasing transmission rate of Covid-19 across the country among older age groups, despite a drop in the 0-19 and 20-29 groups.
This was particularly prevalent in the North of England and the Midlands.
He said there would be 'significant problems for the NHS' if cases among the over 60s continued to rise.


birminghammail--2020-10-20--Machete recovered by police

Machete recovered by police

A huge machete has been found by police in Old Hill .
Rowley neighbourhood officers found the potentially deadly weapon as part of operation Guardian .
Taking to social media to post about the find , the force said : `` Machete recovered today from Old Hill .
Great find by the Rowley neighbourhood officers . ''
A picture of the large machete with a wooden handle inside a clear bag was posted along with the tweet .
It is unclear if any arrests have been made in connection with the knife .
Advice on the West Midlands Police Website @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to : • Sell a knife to anyone under 18 , unless it is a knife with a folding blade that is three inches long or less • Carry a knife in public without good reason , unless it is a knife with a folding blade that is three inches long or less • Use any knife in a threatening way , even if it is a legal one Anyone who suspects someone of carrying a knife is urged to report their concerns via Live Chat on the website , by calling 101 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 555 111 .

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A huge machete has been found by police in Old Hill.
Rowley neighbourhood officers found the potentially deadly weapon as part of operation Guardian.
Taking to social media to post about the find, the force said: "Machete recovered today from Old Hill. Great find by the Rowley neighbourhood officers."
A picture of the large machete with a wooden handle inside a clear bag was posted along with the tweet.
It is unclear if any arrests have been made in connection with the knife.
Knife Crime
Advice on the West Midlands Police Website says in England, it is illegal to:
Sell a knife to anyone under 18, unless it is a knife with a folding blade that is three inches long or less
Carry a knife in public without good reason, unless it is a knife with a folding blade that is three inches long or less
Carry, buy or sell any banned knife
Use any knife in a threatening way, even if it is a legal one
Anyone who suspects someone of carrying a knife is urged to report their concerns via Live Chat on the website, by calling 101 or by calling Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.


birminghammail--2020-10-20--Karanka rings the changes as Leko makes his full Blues debut

Aitor Karanka has shaken up his Birmingham City team for tonight ’ s Championship clash with Norwich City .
The @ @ @ @ @ changes to the team which lost to Sheffield Wednesday – including a change of shape @ @ @ @ @ Roberts for his first start of the season sees Blues move to three at the @ @ @ @ @ half coming in to play alongside Harlee Dean and George Friend .
Maxime Colin and @ @ @ @ @ backs , with Ivan Sunjic and Adam Clayton starting in the middle .
Scott Hogan @ @ @ @ @ , with Ivan Sanchez and Jonathan Leko on the flanks in what looks like a @ @ @ @ @ is not involved , Lukas Jutkiewicz remains absent due to feeling unwell , while Jeremie @ @ @ @ @ bench , as is Gary Gardner .

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Aitor Karanka has shaken up his Birmingham City team for tonight’s Championship clash with Norwich City.
The head coach has made three changes to the team which lost to Sheffield Wednesday – including a change of shape.
The inclusion of Marc Roberts for his first start of the season sees Blues move to three at the back, with the centre half coming in to play alongside Harlee Dean and George Friend.
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Maxime Colin and Kristian Pedersen are the wing backs, with Ivan Sunjic and Adam Clayton starting in the middle.
Scott Hogan plays through the middle again, with Ivan Sanchez and Jonathan Leko on the flanks in what looks like a 3-4-3 formation.
Dan Crowley is not involved, Lukas Jutkiewicz remains absent due to feeling unwell, while Jeremie Bela is dropped to the bench, as is Gary Gardner.
BLUES (3-4-3): Etheridge; Roberts, Dean, Friend; Colin, Sunjic, Clayton, Pedersen; Sanchez, Hogan, Leko. Subs: Prieto, Dacres-Cogley, Boyd-Munce, Gardner, San Jose, Bela, McGree


birminghammail--2020-10-20--Police probe after former school torched  'deliberately'

A fire which tore through a disused school site in Druids Heath is believed to have been started deliberately .
The former Baverstock Academy , on Baverstock Road , was ravaged by the inferno which broke out on Monday , October 19 .
At its height , 40 firefighters battled the blaze .
Today , West Midlands Fire Service confirmed the fire had been started deliberately .
Eight fire engines were sent to the scene after thick black smoke was seen billowing from the roof shortly after 4pm .
A West Midlands Fire Service statement today read : `` Further @ @ @ @ @ @ @ former Baverstock Academy - our investigators believe that the incident was started deliberately .
`` Our crews left the scene late last night and the council will be arranging boarding up of the property . ''
A dramatic photo , taken by the passerby , captured a number of ambulance service vehicles and fire crews at the scene yesterday .
A marked police car could also be seen amongst the large presence of 999 responders .
A short statement from West Midlands Fire Service during the incident read : `` We currently have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a fire at a former school site in Baverstock Road , in the Druid 's Heath area of Birmingham .
`` We responded at 4pm and our first crew was at the scene in under 5 minutes . ''
The service later added : `` Crews have been in attendance for over 4 hours and fire is now out .
Crews are liaising with Birmingham City Council regards re-securing the property . ''
Today , West Midlands Police confirmed they are investigating the incident .

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A fire which tore through a disused school site in Druids Heath is believed to have been started deliberately.
The former Baverstock Academy, on Baverstock Road, was ravaged by the inferno which broke out on Monday, October 19.
At its height, 40 firefighters battled the blaze.
Today, West Midlands Fire Service confirmed the fire had been started deliberately.
Eight fire engines were sent to the scene after thick black smoke was seen billowing from the roof shortly after 4pm.
A West Midlands Fire Service statement today read: "Further update to yesterday's fire at the former Baverstock Academy - our investigators believe that the incident was started deliberately.
"Our crews left the scene late last night and the council will be arranging boarding up of the property."
A dramatic photo, taken by the passerby, captured a number of ambulance service vehicles and fire crews at the scene yesterday.
A marked police car could also be seen amongst the large presence of 999 responders.
A short statement from West Midlands Fire Service during the incident read: "We currently have eight fire engines and 40 firefighters tackling a fire at a former school site in Baverstock Road, in the Druid's Heath area of Birmingham.
"We responded at 4pm and our first crew was at the scene in under 5 minutes."
The service later added: "Crews have been in attendance for over 4 hours and fire is now out. Crews are liaising with Birmingham City Council regards re-securing the property."
Today, West Midlands Police confirmed they are investigating the incident.


birminghammail--2020-10-20--Shearer sends message to three Villa players amid 'outstanding' run

Alan Shearer has heaped praise on Aston Villa as he included three of Dean Smith 's stars in his Premier League team of the week .
Villa preserved their 100 per cent Premier League record with a late victory against Leicester City on Sunday .
Ross Barkley drilled home an injury-time winner to make it four wins out of four for Villa - his second goal in as many matches since joining on loan from Chelsea having also struck in the 7-2 demolition of Liverpool before the international break .
Smith said afterwards : `` We have seen Ross Barkley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chelsea so we are pleased he did it for us .
`` It was touch and go whether he started .
He had a knock to the knee , but a great goal and a real battling performance by the whole team . ''
Shearer included goal hero Barkley , Jack Grealish and Tyrone Mings in his team of the week and gave the manager 's award to Smith .
Mings is enjoying a terrific campaign in the heart of Villa 's defence having struck up a formidable partnership with Ezri Konsa .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ three clean sheets in their winning start .
That ’ s largely down to Mings ’ excellent defending . ''
Grealish delivered yet another outstanding display , the midfielder being named man of the match at the King Power Stadium .
`` Once again outstanding , '' said Shearer .
`` He was the driving force with his close control , incisive runs and clever passes . ''
On Barkley , the top-flight 's record goalscorer added : `` He has been given a new lease of life at Villa .
His winner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a driving run and superb strike from range . ''

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Alan Shearer has heaped praise on Aston Villa as he included three of Dean Smith's stars in his Premier League team of the week.
Villa preserved their 100 per cent Premier League record with a late victory against Leicester City on Sunday.
Ross Barkley drilled home an injury-time winner to make it four wins out of four for Villa - his second goal in as many matches since joining on loan from Chelsea having also struck in the 7-2 demolition of Liverpool before the international break.
Smith said afterwards: "We have seen Ross Barkley do that enough times for Everton and Chelsea so we are pleased he did it for us.
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"It was touch and go whether he started. He had a knock to the knee, but a great goal and a real battling performance by the whole team."
Shearer included goal hero Barkley, Jack Grealish and Tyrone Mings in his team of the week and gave the manager's award to Smith.
Mings is enjoying a terrific campaign in the heart of Villa's defence having struck up a formidable partnership with Ezri Konsa.
Shearer said: "Villa have kept three clean sheets in their winning start. That’s largely down to Mings’ excellent defending."
Grealish delivered yet another outstanding display, the midfielder being named man of the match at the King Power Stadium.
"Once again outstanding," said Shearer."He was the driving force with his close control, incisive runs and clever passes."
On Barkley, the top-flight's record goalscorer added: "He has been given a new lease of life at Villa. His winner was a trademark Barkley goal, with a driving run and superb strike from range."


birminghammail--2020-10-20--Serving inmate stabbed prison officer in chest after being ordered back to cell

A serving inmate has been jailed for more than ten years after stabbing a prison officer in the chest .
Michael Casey , 22 , attacked the Swinfen Hall prison guard - stabbing him in the right side of his chest with a blade attached to a highlighter pen .
The prisoner , who had previously been jailed for robbery , had been due for release in January .
The attack on the officer happened on August 20 , 2019 shortly before 9am , when inmates at the Lichfield prison and young offenders ' institution were returning to their cells @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sat on a pool table on the first floor when the prison officer asked him to return to his cell .
But as the officer turned away , Casey plunged the makeshift weapon into his chest .
Casey was sentenced to ten years and nine months imprisonment at Stafford Crown Court on Thursday , October 15 after pleading guilty to Section 18 wounding .
The court heard that while the officer 's injuries were not serious and he was able to leave hospital the same day , the incident had a 'psychological effect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the prison crime investigation team , said : “ I hope that this sentence will serve as a strong deterrent as individuals will be held accountable for their behaviour , as well as providing reassurance that these types of incidents are treated with the utmost seriousness and severity .
”

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A serving inmate has been jailed for more than ten years after stabbing a prison officer in the chest.
Michael Casey, 22, attacked the Swinfen Hall prison guard - stabbing him in the right side of his chest with a blade attached to a highlighter pen.
The prisoner, who had previously been jailed for robbery, had been due for release in January.
The attack on the officer happened on August 20, 2019 shortly before 9am, when inmates at the Lichfield prison and young offenders' institution were returning to their cells after morning exercise.
Casey had been sat on a pool table on the first floor when the prison officer asked him to return to his cell.
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But as the officer turned away, Casey plunged the makeshift weapon into his chest.
Casey was sentenced to ten years and nine months imprisonment at Stafford Crown Court on Thursday, October 15 after pleading guilty to Section 18 wounding.
The court heard that while the officer's injuries were not serious and he was able to leave hospital the same day, the incident had a 'psychological effect'.
Police Constable Julie Walker, of the prison crime investigation team, said: “I hope that this sentence will serve as a strong deterrent as individuals will be held accountable for their behaviour, as well as providing reassurance that these types of incidents are treated with the utmost seriousness and severity.”


birminghammail--2020-10-20--West Brom's Kamil Grosicki faces nervy 48 hours over Nottingham Forest deal

West Brom winger Kamil Grosicki faces an anxious 48 hours with his move to Nottingham Forest still hanging in the balance .
The former Hull wideman had agreed to join the Reds on deadline day , but there has been no official confirmation of his arrival due to concerns that the paperwork was not submitted in time .
Reports in Poland have claimed that Grosicki only signed off the deal one minute before the domestic window closed , but his representatives and Forest are said to be confident that the move will be given the green light .
Lawyers for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ look to push the deal through which would make him Forest 's 15th signing of the transfer window .
It is understood that that the EFL are now set to make a decision in the next two days with Forest hopeful the winger will be part of the Chris Hughton era .
Hughton addressed the matter after the Reds ' win over Blackburn at the weekend in which he said the club was convinced it had done everything right .
Should the deal be rejected , it would not be the first transfer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of late paperwork .
Rolando Aarons ' move from Newcastle to Huddersfield through because the documents were filed two minutes after the deadline .
Grosicki tweeted a cryptic message to his followers to say `` it will be fine '' with Forest having embarked on a long pursuit of the winger .
The Reds had wanted to sign him in January but lost out to West Brom who won the race to sign him from Hull City .
The 32-year-old has figured just once for Bilic ’ s side this season , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and was replaced 10 minutes into the second half in that game .

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West Brom winger Kamil Grosicki faces an anxious 48 hours with his move to Nottingham Forest still hanging in the balance.
The former Hull wideman had agreed to join the Reds on deadline day, but there has been no official confirmation of his arrival due to concerns that the paperwork was not submitted in time.
Reports in Poland have claimed that Grosicki only signed off the deal one minute before the domestic window closed, but his representatives and Forest are said to be confident that the move will be given the green light.
Lawyers for Grosicki have also got involved as they look to push the deal through which would make him Forest's 15th signing of the transfer window.
It is understood that that the EFL are now set to make a decision in the next two days with Forest hopeful the winger will be part of the Chris Hughton era.
Hughton addressed the matter after the Reds' win over Blackburn at the weekend in which he said the club was convinced it had done everything right.
Should the deal be rejected, it would not be the first transfer of the window to fall apart because of late paperwork.
Rolando Aarons' move from Newcastle to Huddersfield through because the documents were filed two minutes after the deadline.
Grosicki tweeted a cryptic message to his followers to say "it will be fine" with Forest having embarked on a long pursuit of the winger.
The Reds had wanted to sign him in January but lost out to West Brom who won the race to sign him from Hull City.
The 32-year-old has figured just once for Bilic’s side this season, in the Carabao Cup victory over Harrogate Town, and was replaced 10 minutes into the second half in that game.


birminghammail--2020-10-20--Leeds United suffer major injury blow ahead of Aston Villa clash

Leeds United have suffered a major injury blow ahead of this week 's trip to Aston Villa after it was confirmed Kalvin Phillips faces a significant spell on the sidelines .
Marcelo Bielsa 's side are the visitors to Villa Park on Friday evening aiming to bounce back from Monday 's defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers .
But England international Phillips will not play a part having suffered a shoulder injury against Wolves .
An update released on the Leeds website on Tuesday confirmed the 24-year-old faces up to six weeks out of action .
The statement said : `` Whilst @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not required , the Leeds born England International could still face up to six weeks on the sidelines .
`` Kalvin began his rehab at Thorp Arch this morning and will be working hard with the medical team to return to action as soon as possible . ''
Phillips has settled into life in the Premier League well after Leeds ' long-awaited promotion and he 's been included in Gareth Southgate 's last two England squads .
Leeds also have concerns over defenders Liam Cooper and Diego Llorente .
Cooper was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ face Wolves and Llorente picked up a groin problem while on international duty with Spain .
The defeat to Wolves leaves Leeds 10th with two wins , one draw and two defeats from their opening fixtures - three points adrift of Villa who boast the country 's only 100 per cent record .

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Leeds United have suffered a major injury blow ahead of this week's trip to Aston Villa after it was confirmed Kalvin Phillips faces a significant spell on the sidelines.
Marcelo Bielsa's side are the visitors to Villa Park on Friday evening aiming to bounce back from Monday's defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers.
But England international Phillips will not play a part having suffered a shoulder injury against Wolves.
An update released on the Leeds website on Tuesday confirmed the 24-year-old faces up to six weeks out of action.
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The statement said: "Whilst we are pleased to confirm that surgery is not required, the Leeds born England International could still face up to six weeks on the sidelines.
"Kalvin began his rehab at Thorp Arch this morning and will be working hard with the medical team to return to action as soon as possible."
Phillips has settled into life in the Premier League well after Leeds' long-awaited promotion and he's been included in Gareth Southgate's last two England squads.
Leeds also have concerns over defenders Liam Cooper and Diego Llorente. Cooper was a late withdrawal from the matchday squad to face Wolves and Llorente picked up a groin problem while on international duty with Spain.
The defeat to Wolves leaves Leeds 10th with two wins, one draw and two defeats from their opening fixtures - three points adrift of Villa who boast the country's only 100 per cent record.


birminghammail--2020-10-20--Seven key points from Boris Johnson press conference

Boris Johnson will impose tough coronavirus restrictions on Greater Manchester after talks aimed at reaching an agreement broke down .
The Prime Minister delivered a press conference from No 10 Downing Street at 5pm on Tuesday .
The PM announced Greater Manchester would move into tier three .
It came after Andy Burnham accused ministers of acting provocatively by issuing a statement on Monday night warning that the Government had no choice but to act because of the deteriorating situation in the region .
The Greater Manchester mayor said that after days of fraught negotiations between the region ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ walked away ” .
Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick said discussions had failed to produce a deal because leaders were “ unwilling to take action required ” .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has confirmed Greater Manchester will move to the `` very high '' coronavirus alert level .
“ Over the last 10 days we have tried to get a joint approach with local leaders in Greater Manchester , ” the PM said .
He claims they made a generous offer to the region to support businesses .
The Prime Minister told a Downing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ act , I do n't want anybody to think that your actions , our actions , are in vain .
`` This evening ...
I can announce that Greater Manchester will move to the very high alert level .
`` That means that pubs and bars must close , unless they are serving substantial meals , households ca n't mix in doors , or in most outdoor settings .
`` In some public outdoor spaces groups must be limited to the rule of six .
`` And , we strongly advise against travel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' The deputy chief medical officer for England , Professor Jonathan Van-Tam , has said coronavirus cases are rising among the over-60s , putting pressure on the NHS .
At a Downing Street news conference he said `` heat maps '' showing the spread of the disease showed `` very significant areas of heat '' across all ages in Greater Manchester .
`` The infections that have seeded in the younger age groups are now penetrating the older age groups , '' he said .
`` This is most concerning because it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ older age groups that gives the NHS significant problems . ''
The Prime Minister was asked how many areas would need to be under the highest tier of restrictions before a national lockdown is imposed .
In response to the question by a member of the public - Jake from Chester - Boris Johnson told a Downing Street press briefing : `` What we are trying to avoid is a national lockdown at all .
`` We do n't rule anything out but the difficulty is that the distribution of the virus this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with March and April .
`` And so the right response is , as many other countries are doing , to go to this local and regional approach . ''
“ The unfortunate and horrible truth about this virus is that when it gets into care homes it can inflict mortality very quickly , ” Professor Van-Tam says .
The PM added that they will be prioritising care homes for future testing .
“ I bitterly regret any restrictions that lead to damage to people ’ s businesses or lives , ” the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is right about what he says about the length of endurance of Greater Manchester .
“ I simply have to look at the rate of admissions and deaths and we have to act.
” The Prime Minister said : `` Despite the failure to reach an agreement I hope the mayor and council leaders in Greater Manchester will now work with us to implement these measures . ''
He confirmed that conversations are ongoing with leaders in South Yorkshire , West Yorkshire , Nottinghamshire and the North East about the possibility of moving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : `` I hope and expect central and local government will continue to work closely together .
`` Ultimately all of us want to protect the NHS and in doing so to save lives . ''
Mr Johnson said Greater Manchester would receive £22 million in funding as part of a `` comprehensive package of support '' .
On the negotiations that broke down with leaders in the region , the Prime Minister added : `` Over the last 10 days we tried to get an approach with local leaders in Greater @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reached and I do regret this .
`` As I said last week , it would have been better and we would have a better chance of defeating the virus if we work together . ''
He said that , in addition , the Government `` made a generous and extensive offer to support Manchester business '' but `` the mayor did n't accept this unfortunately and given the public health situation I must now proceed with moving Greater Manchester to the very high alert level . ''
Mr Johnson said the Government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Greater Manchester .
He said : `` Not to act would put Manchester 's NHS and the lives of many of Manchester 's residents at risk . ''
It marks the latest stage in an extraordinary public battle between the national Government at Westminster and the regional mayor in Manchester , who has become seen as a champion of the North as a whole .
“ We are trying to walk a very fine line between getting the virus under control and incurring the economic damage in doing so , ” Professor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t think it ’ s right to have a circuit break as there are areas , such as Kent , where levels of the virus are low .
Professor Powis agreed there are variations between infection rates in England .

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Boris Johnson will impose tough coronavirus restrictions on Greater Manchester after talks aimed at reaching an agreement broke down.
The Prime Minister delivered a press conference from No 10 Downing Street at 5pm on Tuesday.
The PM announced Greater Manchester would move into tier three.
It came after Andy Burnham accused ministers of acting provocatively by issuing a statement on Monday night warning that the Government had no choice but to act because of the deteriorating situation in the region.
The Greater Manchester mayor said that after days of fraught negotiations between the region’s leaders and ministers, the Government “walked away”.
Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick said discussions had failed to produce a deal because leaders were “unwilling to take action required”.
Greater Manchester moves to tier 3
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has confirmed Greater Manchester will move to the "very high" coronavirus alert level.
“Over the last 10 days we have tried to get a joint approach with local leaders in Greater Manchester,” the PM said.
“Unfortunately agreement was not reached
“I regret this.”
He claims they made a generous offer to the region to support businesses.
The Prime Minister told a Downing Street news conference: "As we act, I don't want anybody to think that your actions, our actions, are in vain.
"This evening... I can announce that Greater Manchester will move to the very high alert level.
"That means that pubs and bars must close, unless they are serving substantial meals, households can't mix in doors, or in most outdoor settings.
"In some public outdoor spaces groups must be limited to the rule of six.
"And, we strongly advise against travel into and out of the area."
Concern for over-60s
The deputy chief medical officer for England, Professor Jonathan Van-Tam, has said coronavirus cases are rising among the over-60s, putting pressure on the NHS.
At a Downing Street news conference he said "heat maps" showing the spread of the disease showed "very significant areas of heat" across all ages in Greater Manchester.
"The infections that have seeded in the younger age groups are now penetrating the older age groups," he said.
"This is most concerning because it is the penetration of the disease into the older age groups that gives the NHS significant problems."
No national lockdown - yet
The Prime Minister was asked how many areas would need to be under the highest tier of restrictions before a national lockdown is imposed.
In response to the question by a member of the public - Jake from Chester - Boris Johnson told a Downing Street press briefing: "What we are trying to avoid is a national lockdown at all.
"We don't rule anything out but the difficulty is that the distribution of the virus this time round is very uneven by comparison with March and April.
"And so the right response is, as many other countries are doing, to go to this local and regional approach."
Fears for care homes
“The unfortunate and horrible truth about this virus is that when it gets into care homes it can inflict mortality very quickly,” Professor Van-Tam says.
The PM added that they will be prioritising care homes for future testing.
Message to Andy Burnham
“I bitterly regret any restrictions that lead to damage to people’s businesses or lives,” the PM says.
“Frankly Andy Burnham is right about what he says about the length of endurance of Greater Manchester.
“I simply have to look at the rate of admissions and deaths and we have to act.”
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
The Prime Minister said: "Despite the failure to reach an agreement I hope the mayor and council leaders in Greater Manchester will now work with us to implement these measures."
He confirmed that conversations are ongoing with leaders in South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire and the North East about the possibility of moving to the very high alert level and said: "I hope and expect central and local government will continue to work closely together.
"Ultimately all of us want to protect the NHS and in doing so to save lives."
Mr Johnson said Greater Manchester would receive £22 million in funding as part of a "comprehensive package of support".
On the negotiations that broke down with leaders in the region, the Prime Minister added: "Over the last 10 days we tried to get an approach with local leaders in Greater Manchester. Unfortunately an agreement wasn't reached and I do regret this.
"As I said last week, it would have been better and we would have a better chance of defeating the virus if we work together."
He said that, in addition, the Government "made a generous and extensive offer to support Manchester business" but "the mayor didn't accept this unfortunately and given the public health situation I must now proceed with moving Greater Manchester to the very high alert level."
'Generous' offer was made
Mr Johnson said the Government made a "generous" financial offer to Greater Manchester.
He said: "Not to act would put Manchester's NHS and the lives of many of Manchester's residents at risk."
It marks the latest stage in an extraordinary public battle between the national Government at Westminster and the regional mayor in Manchester, who has become seen as a champion of the North as a whole.
No circuit breaker
“We are trying to walk a very fine line between getting the virus under control and incurring the economic damage in doing so,” Professor Van-Tam says.
He said he doesn’t think it’s right to have a circuit break as there are areas, such as Kent, where levels of the virus are low.
Professor Powis agreed there are variations between infection rates in England.


birminghammail--2020-10-20--Johnson takes on Andy Burnham by imposing tougher lockdown on Manchester

Prime Minister Boris Johnson attempted to assert his authority by imposing tougher lockdown restrictions on Greater Manchester - against the wishes of local leaders .
Speaking at a Downing Street press conference , he said : `` This evening I can announce that Greater Manchester will move to the very high alert level .
`` That means that pubs and bars must close unless they are serving substantial meals ... and we strongly advise against travel into and out of the area . ''
The announcement came roughly an hour after Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham held a press conference @ @ @ @ @ @ @ region he represents had roundly rejected calls to move up into tier three , the highest level of restrictions .
Mr Burnham said the measures , which include closing hospitality venues such as bars and restaurants , would cause poverty and homelessness .
He said the region had asked the Government for at least £65 million `` to prevent a winter of real hardship '' but the request had been refused .
Blaming the Government for talks breaking down , he said : `` The Government refused to accept this and at 2pm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Mr Burnham said he as taking a stand not just for Greater Manchester but for every part of the country that might one day be asked to accept tier three restrictions , the toughest in the Government 's three-tier system .
And he called on MPs of all parties to support calls for a better financial package for areas affected , when the issue is debated in the House of Commons .
But the Prime Minister said the measures were needed to protect lives - and promised a `` comprehensive package of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would receive £22 million to help it enforce restrictions , plus a share of £1bn being distributed to councils nationwide .
And Mr Johnson said the Government made a `` generous '' financial offer to Greater Manchester .
He said : `` Not to act would put Manchester 's NHS and the lives of many of Manchester 's residents at risk . ''
It marks the latest stage in an extraordinary public battle between the national Government at Westminster and the regional mayor in Manchester , who has become seen as a champion @ @ @ @ @ @ @

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Prime Minister Boris Johnson attempted to assert his authority by imposing tougher lockdown restrictions on Greater Manchester - against the wishes of local leaders.
Speaking at a Downing Street press conference, he said: "This evening I can announce that Greater Manchester will move to the very high alert level.
"That means that pubs and bars must close unless they are serving substantial meals ... and we strongly advise against travel into and out of the area."
The announcement came roughly an hour after Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham held a press conference of his own, stating that the region he represents had roundly rejected calls to move up into tier three, the highest level of restrictions.
Mr Burnham said the measures, which include closing hospitality venues such as bars and restaurants, would cause poverty and homelessness.
He said the region had asked the Government for at least £65 million "to prevent a winter of real hardship" but the request had been refused. Blaming the Government for talks breaking down, he said: "The Government refused to accept this and at 2pm today they walked away from negotiations."
Mr Burnham said he as taking a stand not just for Greater Manchester but for every part of the country that might one day be asked to accept tier three restrictions, the toughest in the Government's three-tier system. And he called on MPs of all parties to support calls for a better financial package for areas affected, when the issue is debated in the House of Commons.
But the Prime Minister said the measures were needed to protect lives - and promised a "comprehensive package of support".
He said Greater Manchester would receive £22 million to help it enforce restrictions, plus a share of £1bn being distributed to councils nationwide.
And Mr Johnson said the Government made a "generous" financial offer to Greater Manchester.
He said: "Not to act would put Manchester's NHS and the lives of many of Manchester's residents at risk."
It marks the latest stage in an extraordinary public battle between the national Government at Westminster and the regional mayor in Manchester, who has become seen as a champion of the North as a whole.


birminghammail--2020-10-20--West Brom's squad in full and when their contracts expire

The contracts of professional footballers are usually a hot topic of conversation .
The pendulum of power between the club and the player can often swing one way or the other , depending where the latter is in their contract .
Three or more years left to run on a deal represents security for the player , but also for the club - particularly if they ’ re an asset .
On the flip side , big contracts can mean that shifting a player who is no longer in the manager ’ s plans can be tricky .
Anything less @ @ @ @ @ @ @ uncertain period .
Has the player justified the offering of fresh terms ?
Do they fancy moving on ?
In the case of the latter , it often means they can run their contract down and leave for nothing , or force their employers into selling up early .
Things are no different at West Brom ; on the back of firing the club to promotion , this is how the land lies with every senior player .
There 'll be a bit of a cross-roads period for players here , as they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Kieran Gibbs signed a four-year deal when he arrived in 2017 , while Kyle Bartley agreed a three-year deal and Charlie Austin a two-year contract .
Branislav Ivanovic penned a one-year agreement this summer .
Hal Robson-Kanu , who committed his immediate future last season , Kyle Edwards and Conor Townsend are the other players who , as it stands , will see their contracts expire in the summer of 2021 .
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We also have a free app which you can download .
It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region .
Google Play Store and App Store Kamil Grosicki signed an 18-month deal when agreeing to move from Hull last January , though it remains to be seen whether his move to Nottingham Forest was completed before the deadline .
Chelsea loanee Gallagher has arrived @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - and his first taste of Premier League football - after Slaven Bilic got on the blower to Frank Lampard at Chelsea .
Filip Krovinovic , meanwhile , has returned for a second year-long loan spell from Benfica .
The bulk of the Albion squad have a little under two years left .
Romaine Sawyers agreed a three-year deal in the summer when he arrived from Brentford , while Rekeem Harper and Matt Phillips have both fairly recently put pen to paper on new deals .
Ahmed Hegazi , returning from injury , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , while captain Jake Livermore and Charlton loanee Sam Field are the other players who have a cushion .
The former trio have only arrived last season , and were all tied down to long-term deals upon arrival .
Darnell Furlong and Semi Ajayi are looking like excellent pieces of business , for a combined fee of £3m , while Kenneth Zohore is still to live up to his rather expensive price-tag and has been loaned out to Millwall until January .
All in their early to mid twenties , they agreed four-year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ until 2023 - or longer , all being well .
Then there is O'Shea , who like Nathan Ferguson burst onto the first-team scene this season .
Bilic is a huge fan , and Albion managed to tie him down to a new long term contract in January 2020 .
Alex Palmer did likewise after an impressive loan spell at Plymouth .
Securing a deal this summer looks a real coup for Albion as far as Tulloch goes .
They agreed a long-term deal with his representatives that will see him remain at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ until at least 2024 .
Pereira , new addition Kipre and young forward Morton all signed four-year deals this summer , too .
Two new additions - or existing additions , if you like - from this summer 's recruitment drive .
Both young winger Diangana and forward Robinson have been tied down to long-term deals , ensuring that Albion hold all the cards if interest from elsewhere arises .
The most recent addition to the group has signed the longest contract of all .
Grant has penned a six-year contract after arriving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pay the £15m they owe the Terriers in installments over the course of that contract .

The contracts of professional footballers are usually a hot topic of conversation. The pendulum of power between the club and the player can often swing one way or the other, depending on where the latter is in their contract. Three or more years left to run on a deal represents security for the player, but also for the club - particularly if they’re an asset.
On the flip side, big contracts can mean that shifting a player who is no longer in the manager’s plans can be tricky. Anything less than that, and there is an uncertain period. Has the player justified the offering of fresh terms? Do they fancy moving on? In the case of the latter, it often means they can run their contract down, and leave for nothing, or force their employers into selling up early.
Things are no different at West Brom, who have begun work ahead of this significant summer by making decisions on the futures of a host of players within their squad. Senior players, like Jake Livermore, Tom Rogic and Kean Bryan, have left, while many more will be moving into the final 12 months of their respective contracts.
Here are the contract statuses of every player in the squad, including those heading into the final year of their deals who will need Carlos Corberan's attention in the coming months.
Summer 2024 (loans)
Jeremy Sarmiento (Brighton)
Albion began their transfer business for the 2023 summer by borrowing Jeremy Sarmiento for the coming season, from Premier League Brighton.
Summer 2024
Alex Mowatt, Rayhaan Tulloch, Cedric Kipre,Matt Phillips,Ethan Ingram, Jovan Malcolm, Tom Fellows, Adam Reach, David Button, Martin Kelly, Kyle Bartley, Nathaniel Chalobah, Reyes Cleary, Ted Cann, Josh Shaw, Reece Hall, Jamie Andrews, Brad Foster, Aaron Harper-Bailey, Layton Love, Narel Phillips, Fenton Heard
A sizeable chunk of the squad have a buffer of a year left on their contracts. Alex Mowatt and Adam Reach are both two thirds of the way into three-year deals they signed summer 2021, though the former has spent his second season out on loan, while David Button penned a new two-year agreement in the summer of 2022.
Matt Phillips extended his stay to 2024 at the beginning of the 2021-22 season, while the lesser spotted Cedric Kipre - lent to Cardiff last year - is now three quarters of the way through his four-year contract signed upon arrival in 2020. Tom Fellows has been off out getting some EFL experience, while Martin Kelly, who joined in the summer, suffered a devastating season-ending injury while out at Wigan. He is still recovering.
Ethan Ingram tasted first-team football at the beginning of last season, while Kyle Bartley triggered a further year in his contract. Nathaniel Chalobah, upon arriving in January, agreed an 18-month contract. A host of youngsters this summer have signed one-year deals - Jamie Andrews, Aaron-Harper Bailey, Ted Cann, Brad Foster, Layton Love, Narel Phillips and Fenton Heard all have a further season to impress.
Summer 2025
Grady Diangana,Josh Griffiths, Darnell Furlong, Conor Townsend,Semi Ajayi, Jayson Molumby, John Swift,Zac Ashworth (on loan at Bolton),Caleb Taylor, Brandon Thomas-Asante, Okay Yokuslu, Harry Whitwell, Matt Richards, Ronnie Hollingshead, Alex Williams, Eseosa Sule, Akeel Higgins
Grady Diangana is tied to the club until 2025 as things stand, although there is interest in the winger this summer. Full backs Conor Townsend and Darnell Furlong both have a little over two remaining years.
Josh Griffiths' potential excites Albion - he impressed in the first team after three separate loan spells away - but he might be considered for a sale this summer if a suitor comes in. Semi Ajayi extended his contract in summer 2022 but he has struggled to regain his place in the first XI until the run-in following injury, while Jayson Molumby made his loan switch a permanent one and has by contrast been a key member of the starting line-up.
John Swift was the first new face into the club last summer, following Molumby in as one of Albion's early permanent acquisitions. He signed a three-year deal on a free transfer having left Reading. Fellow summer arrivals Okay Yokuslu and Brandon Thomas-Asante also penned three-year agreements upon arrival and also have two of those respective years remaining.
Summer 2026
Karlan Grant (on loan at Cardiff), Taylor Gardner-Hickman, Daryl Dike, Alex Palmer, Jed Wallace, Josh Maja
Grant, Albion's top scorer in 2021-22, is now halfway through his six-year contract but has been loaned out to Cardiff City. Alex Palmer, who ended the season as the club's outright number one after a number of loan deals in recent years, also committed his future to The Hawthorns in the summer of 2022 but there remains interest too in him.
Taylor Gardner-Hickman's breakthrough into the Albion first team last season was one of the rare highlights of an otherwise dreary campaign in 21-22 and he was rewarded with a professional deal in December of 2021, while Daryl Dike arrived shortly after and signed a deal the same length - he is expected to remain out for the rest of 2023 with injury, though.
Jed Wallace's time at The Hawthorns has begun well - he's already a fan favourite - and he agreed a four-year contract upon arrival on a free, while Josh Maja is the newest face at the club having signed this summer on a three-year deal.
What do you make of Albion's contracts situation? Have your say in the comments section...


birminghammail--2020-10-20--Dean Smith tried to complete £20m Villa transfer 'a few times'

Dean Smith tried to bring Neal Maupay to Aston Villa on multiple occasions , according to Alan Hutton .
French striker Maupay shone under the Villa boss at Brentford after his move to the Championship from French side Saint-Etienne in 2017 .
Having scored regularly for the Bees he was heavily linked with a move to Villa Park last year after Smith led Villa to promotion .
Smith has returned to his former employers in the transfer market twice , with Ollie Watkins the latest to the make the switch when he arrived in a club-record deal in September .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ player for Villa after his move from Brentford last year - while the recently released Jota also played under Smith for the west London club before signing for Villa from Birmingham City .
A move for Maupay never came off with the 24-year-old joining Brighton in a £20million transfer ahead of the 2019/20 season but Hutton says it was n't for the want of trying on Villa 's part .
“ He [ Smith ] did try quite a few times but he ’ s got that connection obviously with Brentford , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5 Live .
“ I tell you one thing , every time we used to go there [ Griffin Park ] as Villa , we would have a nightmare .
They were that good .
“ They had Ollie Watkins , himself [ Maupay ] and they could cause you all sorts of problems .
And it doesn ’ t surprise me that they have moved on from there and are now performing at a high level .
You could see the quality that they have.
” Villa made Wesley Moraes their marquee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brazilian is close to returning after suffering a long-term knee injury in January .
Maupay has scored 14 goals in 42 top-flight appearances for Brighton , including four in five games so far this season .
“ Fantastic player , ” Hutton told BBC Radio 5 Live .
“ He twisted me up once or twice [ in Championship ] , so I know how good he can be .
“ To be fair , he has come into the Premier League and he ’ s started on fire .
He ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ run in behind .
He ’ ll take it to feet .
He ’ ll cause all sorts of problems .
”

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Dean Smith tried to bring Neal Maupay to Aston Villa on multiple occasions, according to Alan Hutton.
French striker Maupay shone under the Villa boss at Brentford after his move to the Championship from French side Saint-Etienne in 2017.
Having scored regularly for the Bees he was heavily linked with a move to Villa Park last year after Smith led Villa to promotion.
Smith has returned to his former employers in the transfer market twice, with Ollie Watkins the latest to the make the switch when he arrived in a club-record deal in September.
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Defender Ezri Konsa is now a key player for Villa after his move from Brentford last year - while the recently released Jota also played under Smith for the west London club before signing for Villa from Birmingham City.
A move for Maupay never came off with the 24-year-old joining Brighton in a £20million transfer ahead of the 2019/20 season but Hutton says it wasn't for the want of trying on Villa's part.
“He [Smith] did try quite a few times but he’s got that connection obviously with Brentford," the former Villa defender told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“I tell you one thing, every time we used to go there [Griffin Park] as Villa, we would have a nightmare. They were that good.
“They had Ollie Watkins, himself [Maupay] and they could cause you all sorts of problems. And it doesn’t surprise me that they have moved on from there and are now performing at a high level. You could see the quality that they have.”
Villa made Wesley Moraes their marquee striker signing after winning promotion and the Brazilian is close to returning after suffering a long-term knee injury in January.
Maupay has scored 14 goals in 42 top-flight appearances for Brighton, including four in five games so far this season.
“Fantastic player,” Hutton told BBC Radio 5 Live. “He twisted me up once or twice [in Championship], so I know how good he can be.
“To be fair, he has come into the Premier League and he’s started on fire. He’s a real threat. He likes to run in behind. He’ll take it to feet. He’ll cause all sorts of problems.”