birminghammail--2020-08-02--West Brom linked with move for Swansea City prodigy Steven Benda

West Bromwich Albion have been linked with a move for Swansea City goalkeeper Steven Benda .
According to The Sun , the Baggies are keen to bring in competition for Sam Johnstone after promotion to the Premier League was sealed last month .
Free agent Joe Hart - who is said to be wanted by Celtic - was linked with a move to The Hawthorns in June and he is reportedly still interesting Slaven Bilic while David Marshall at Wigan Athletic has also been mentioned .
Albion currently have Johnstone , Alex Palmer and Josh Griffiths on their books .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ your email in the box at the top of the page or click here Johnstone has played every minute of the last two seasons while Jonathan Bond was his backup .
Benda , meanwhile , has just come back from a loan spell at Swindon Town who finished first in League Two .
The German joined Swansea from 1860 Munich in 2017 but has yet to make a senior appearance for Steve Cooper 's side and got his first taste of League football last season .
He is contracted for another two years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to sign two new goalkeepers according to reports with Palmer likely to head out on loan with Griffiths in 2020-21 .
Hart has been linked with Derby County , Leeds United and Celtic while Marshall has just finished his first season at Wigan .
Marshall has also turned out for Celtic , Norwich City , Cardiff City and Hull City .

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West Bromwich Albion have been linked with a move for Swansea City goalkeeper Steven Benda.
According to The Sun, the Baggies are keen to bring in competition for Sam Johnstone after promotion to the Premier League was sealed last month.
Free agent Joe Hart - who is said to be wanted by Celtic - was linked with a move to The Hawthorns in June and he is reportedly still interesting Slaven Bilic while David Marshall at Wigan Athletic has also been mentioned.
Albion currently have Johnstone, Alex Palmer and Josh Griffiths on their books.
Sign up for our Albion newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here
Johnstone has played every minute of the last two seasons while Jonathan Bond was his backup.
Benda, meanwhile, has just come back from a loan spell at Swindon Town who finished first in League Two.
The German joined Swansea from 1860 Munich in 2017 but has yet to make a senior appearance for Steve Cooper's side and got his first taste of League football last season.
He is contracted for another two years at the Liberty Stadium.
Albion want to sign two new goalkeepers according to reports with Palmer likely to head out on loan with Griffiths in 2020-21.
Hart has been linked with Derby County, Leeds United and Celtic while Marshall has just finished his first season at Wigan.
Marshall has also turned out for Celtic, Norwich City, Cardiff City and Hull City.


birminghammail--2020-08-02--The transfer window change Wolves owners Fosun must facilitate

Arsenal ’ s FA Cup win means Wolverhampton Wanderers will have to do without European football next season - unless Nuno Espirito Santo can mastermind outright victory in the Europa League .
The prospect of no continental competition in 2020/21 has left fans feeling reflective and there is no shortage of suggestions as to how Wolves go about improving next season .
Wolves used just 21 players in the Premier League this season - and three of those departed Molineux in January .
Nuno ’ s desire to work with a small number of first team players means a core @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inexperienced , and largely untried prospects .
There have been occasions this term when Nuno has named a bench boasting next to no Premier League experience .
It ’ s a position none of Wolves ’ rivals for the top four have found themselves in .
Sign up for our Wolves newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here The introduction of the five-sub rule saw Wolves ’ lack of depth laid bare in comparison to those around them .
Nuno himself confessed that Wolves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ five changes within a game .
It ’ s therefore clear that Wolves will require more than just minor surgery in the transfer market this summer .
But what happens to those youngsters who are simply being used to fill the bench ?
Morgan Gibbs-White is the perfect example .
He ’ s been involved in Nuno ’ s first team for three seasons and has amassed 54 league appearances .
However , only nine of those have been starts and he ’ s played just 1,018 minutes of league football under Nuno @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s senior matches have been late cameos off the bench when Wolves have already got the job done .
Jesus Vallejo has played more Premier League minutes for Wolves this season and he was banished to the stands after that Southampton horror show in October .
This season was supposed to be the one when Gibbs-White dramatically increased his playing time , but there ’ s an argument to suggest that he ’ s regressed due to a lack of it .
Nuno has so far been reluctant to send Gibbs-White out on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unwilling to give him regular meaningful minutes .
It ’ s a similar situation with Max Kilman , Oskar Buur , Bruno Jordao and Leonardo Campana , who hasn ’ t played once since joining Wolves in January .
These players are too good to feature in Wolves ’ under-23 side , particularly now that they will be competing in Premier League 2 Division 2 following relegation .
But they aren ’ t yet ready to be options - starting or off the bench - for a team targeting the Champions League .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ best of the rest ’ trophy and force their way into the top six , they need to address the imbalance which has been painstakingly obvious on so many occasions this season .

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Arsenal’s FA Cup win means Wolverhampton Wanderers will have to do without European football next season - unless Nuno Espirito Santo can mastermind outright victory in the Europa League.
The prospect of no continental competition in 2020/21 has left fans feeling reflective and there is no shortage of suggestions as to how Wolves go about improving next season.
A common theme centres around the club’s squad depth.
(Image: Andy Hooper NMC Pool)
Wolves used just 21 players in the Premier League this season - and three of those departed Molineux in January.
Nuno’s desire to work with a small number of first team players means a core group of 16 are backed up by inexperienced, and largely untried prospects.
There have been occasions this term when Nuno has named a bench boasting next to no Premier League experience. It’s a position none of Wolves’ rivals for the top four have found themselves in.
Sign up for our Wolves newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here
The introduction of the five-sub rule saw Wolves’ lack of depth laid bare in comparison to those around them. Nuno himself confessed that Wolves were ‘not prepared’ to make five changes within a game.
It’s therefore clear that Wolves will require more than just minor surgery in the transfer market this summer.
But what happens to those youngsters who are simply being used to fill the bench?
Morgan Gibbs-White is the perfect example. He’s been involved in Nuno’s first team for three seasons and has amassed 54 league appearances.
However, only nine of those have been starts and he’s played just 1,018 minutes of league football under Nuno. A significant portion of Gibbs-White’s senior matches have been late cameos off the bench when Wolves have already got the job done.
Jesus Vallejo has played more Premier League minutes for Wolves this season and he was banished to the stands after that Southampton horror show in October.
This season was supposed to be the one when Gibbs-White dramatically increased his playing time, but there’s an argument to suggest that he’s regressed due to a lack of it.
Nuno has so far been reluctant to send Gibbs-White out on loan, but he’s also unwilling to give him regular meaningful minutes.
It’s a similar situation with Max Kilman, Oskar Buur, Bruno Jordao and Leonardo Campana, who hasn’t played once since joining Wolves in January.
These players are too good to feature in Wolves’ under-23 side, particularly now that they will be competing in Premier League 2 Division 2 following relegation.
But they aren’t yet ready to be options - starting or off the bench - for a team targeting the Champions League.
If Wolves are to hand back the ‘best of the rest’ trophy and force their way into the top six, they need to address the imbalance which has been painstakingly obvious on so many occasions this season.


birminghammail--2020-08-02--New Wolves signing Matija Sarkic linked with Sunderland loan

Sunderland have been linked with a move for Wolverhampton Wanderers goalkeeper Matija Sarkic..
The goalkeeper joined from Aston Villa last week following his release from Villa Park after five years in B6 .
Sunderland were credited with an interest in Sarkic before he made the move to Wolves and now The Sun is claiming that he could join up with the League One side following confirmation of his move to Molineux .
Sarkic does n't have much competitive experience from his time at Villa , with his only senior outings coming on loan at Stratford Town , Havant and Waterlooville @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for our Wolves newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here The Montenegro international signed a three-year contract with Wolves and his immediate priority will be dislodging John Ruddy , who is backup to number one Rui Patricio .
He could do this by impressing out on loan in 2020-21 .
`` We are very happy to welcome Matija , who is a promising young goalkeeper with lots of potential , '' Wolves chairman Jeff Shi said when he signed .
`` We hope that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and with his loan club next season . ''
Sarkic was recalled from his Livingston loan by Villa last season after injury to goalkeepers Tom Heaton and Jed Steer , appearing on the substitute 's bench for the Carabao Cup semi-final defeat of Leicester City .
Prior to that he made 14 appearances in the Scottish Premiership for Livingston , impressing on debut in a 2-0 defeat of Celtic .
Sarkic set up Lyndon Dykes for Livingston 's second with an accurate long ball over the top .

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Sunderland have been linked with a move for Wolverhampton Wanderers goalkeeper Matija Sarkic..
The goalkeeper joined from Aston Villa last week following his release from Villa Park after five years in B6.
Sunderland were credited with an interest in Sarkic before he made the move to Wolves and now The Sun is claiming that he could join up with the League One side following confirmation of his move to Molineux.
Sarkic doesn't have much competitive experience from his time at Villa, with his only senior outings coming on loan at Stratford Town, Havant and Waterlooville and Scottish side Livingston.
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The Montenegro international signed a three-year contract with Wolves and his immediate priority will be dislodging John Ruddy, who is backup to number one Rui Patricio.
He could do this by impressing out on loan in 2020-21.
"We are very happy to welcome Matija, who is a promising young goalkeeper with lots of potential," Wolves chairman Jeff Shi said when he signed.
"We hope that he will be a success at Wolves and with his loan club next season."
Sarkic was recalled from his Livingston loan by Villa last season after injury to goalkeepers Tom Heaton and Jed Steer, appearing on the substitute's bench for the Carabao Cup semi-final defeat of Leicester City.
Prior to that he made 14 appearances in the Scottish Premiership for Livingston, impressing on debut in a 2-0 defeat of Celtic.
Sarkic set up Lyndon Dykes for Livingston's second with an accurate long ball over the top.


birminghammail--2020-08-02--Aston Villa in for Crystal Palace star James McCarthy - report

Crystal Palace midfielder James McCarthy has been touted with a £5 million switch to Aston Villa , according to national reports .
The Daily Mail cite Villa with big interest in the 29-year-old who , last season , made 33 appearances for Roy Hodgson 's side .
The report suggests Villa will relax their transfer policy on only buying players under the age of 28 , with Dean Smith now keen to add Premier League experience right through his side 's spine .
Sign up for our Villa newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than two years to run on his current deal at Selhurst Park and has fully recovered from a serious double leg fracture sustained while playing for Everton in 2018 .
Last season , McCarthy started 16 of Palace 's 38 Premier League games , with Hodgson mainly utilising the Irish midfielder from off the bench ( 17 ) .
As for Villa , Smith could well be in for a central midfielder to provide the likes of Conor Hourihane , Douglas Luiz and John McGinn with serious competition .
Villa are reportedly in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ certainly fits the profile , a player who 's proven in the Premier League .
Elsewhere , Hearts full-back Aaron Hickey , 18 , has been linked with a switch to Villa Park .
You can read more on that HERE .

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Crystal Palace midfielder James McCarthy has been touted with a £5 million switch to Aston Villa, according to national reports.
The Daily Mail cite Villa with big interest in the 29-year-old who, last season, made 33 appearances for Roy Hodgson's side.
The report suggests Villa will relax their transfer policy on only buying players under the age of 28, with Dean Smith now keen to add Premier League experience right through his side's spine.
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McCarthy has less than two years to run on his current deal at Selhurst Park and has fully recovered from a serious double leg fracture sustained while playing for Everton in 2018.
Last season, McCarthy started 16 of Palace's 38 Premier League games, with Hodgson mainly utilising the Irish midfielder from off the bench (17).
As for Villa, Smith could well be in for a central midfielder to provide the likes of Conor Hourihane, Douglas Luiz and John McGinn with serious competition. Villa are reportedly in the market for a No.8 and McCarthy certainly fits the profile, a player who's proven in the Premier League.
Elsewhere, Hearts full-back Aaron Hickey, 18, has been linked with a switch to Villa Park. You can read more on that HERE.


birminghammail--2020-08-02--Aston Villa linked with teenage defender Aaron Hickey - report

Aston Villa have been linked with teenage left-back Aaron Hickey from Hearts , reports up in Scotland claim .
The 18-year-old featured 22 times for the Edinburgh club last term in what was Hickey 's breakthrough season in the Scottish top-flight .
Hearts , though , dropped down a division and , according to the Daily Record , teenager Hickey is a top transfer priority for Italian side Bologna .
Villa and Bayern Munich are also said to be in for the full-back who 'd cost in the region of £1.5 million .
Hickey , a former Celtic youth star @ @ @ @ @ @ @ derby last year and a deal for the Scottish under-19 international would represent decent business .
Regarding Villa 's transfer stance , it 's believed new sporting director Johan Lange will identify a new full-back given the likes of Neil Taylor and Ahmed Elmohamady are on dwindling contracts .
The Scottish market is well-trusted by Villa given the acquisition of John McGinn from Hibernian in 2018 for just £2.75 million .
As far as Scottish full-backs go , the likes of Andrew Robertson and Kieran Tierney enjoyed excellent seasons for Liverpool and Arsenal @ @

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Aston Villa have been linked with teenage left-back Aaron Hickey from Hearts, reports up in Scotland claim.
The 18-year-old featured 22 times for the Edinburgh club last term in what was Hickey's breakthrough season in the Scottish top-flight.
Hearts, though, dropped down a division and, according to the Daily Record, teenager Hickey is a top transfer priority for Italian side Bologna.
Villa and Bayern Munich are also said to be in for the full-back who'd cost in the region of £1.5 million.
Hickey, a former Celtic youth star, scored past Hibs in the Edinburgh derby last year and a deal for the Scottish under-19 international would represent decent business.
Regarding Villa's transfer stance, it's believed new sporting director Johan Lange will identify a new full-back given the likes of Neil Taylor and Ahmed Elmohamady are on dwindling contracts.
The Scottish market is well-trusted by Villa given the acquisition of John McGinn from Hibernian in 2018 for just £2.75 million. As far as Scottish full-backs go, the likes of Andrew Robertson and Kieran Tierney enjoyed excellent seasons for Liverpool and Arsenal respectively.


birminghammail--2020-08-02--Aston Villa's goalkeeper search takes Celtic transfer twist - report

Aston Villa 's search for a new goalkeeper is taking an interesting turn .
Reports emerged over the last few days that the club were interested in Robin Olsen of Roma - while news broke from Italian media that Pepe Reina became the subject of an offer from Villa following a solid loan spell at the club .
And both potential deals have complications - with Reina 's deal depending on AC Milan 's consideration of the finer details of the deal .
Sign up for our Villa newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Olsen ?
Corriere Dello Sport once again linked Olsen to Villa - but named Celtic as Olsen 's suitors .
A translation by Sport Witness shows the newspaper holding back in this link though - saying that he 'could ' be a target - referencing new director of football Johan Lange .
Celtic 's interest is known - with The Scotsman reinforcing that earlier this week in a report .
That particular report would place the Parkhead side as Villa 's direct competition for Olsen if a bid is made with the Danish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between the sticks .
Do Villa need a goalkeeper ?
Quite possibly .
It may be some time before Tom Heaton returns , Matija Sarkic has departed the club and Lovre Kalinic will likely follow - leaving Orjan Nyland and Jed Steer at the club .
With Heaton out for a while , still , Villa are in the market for a keeper .
There is clearly competition for Olsen , though , and no deal would be a done thing - especially if Villa can not make promises about playing time .

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Aston Villa's search for a new goalkeeper is taking an interesting turn.
Reports emerged over the last few days that the club were interested in Robin Olsen of Roma - while news broke from Italian media that Pepe Reina became the subject of an offer from Villa following a solid loan spell at the club.
And both potential deals have complications - with Reina's deal depending on AC Milan's consideration of the finer details of the deal.
Sign up for our Villa newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here
But what of Olsen?
Corriere Dello Sport once again linked Olsen to Villa - but named Celtic as Olsen's suitors. A translation by Sport Witness shows the newspaper holding back in this link though - saying that he 'could' be a target - referencing new director of football Johan Lange.
Celtic's interest is known - with The Scotsman reinforcing that earlier this week in a report.
That particular report would place the Parkhead side as Villa's direct competition for Olsen if a bid is made with the Danish goalkeeper representing solid competition for Scott Bain between the sticks.
However - no mention was made in the report from Corriere Dello Sport of recent Celtic signing Vasilis Barkas with the goalkeeper joining the Bhoys on a multi-year deal.
Do Villa need a goalkeeper? Quite possibly. It may be some time before Tom Heaton returns, Matija Sarkic has departed the club and Lovre Kalinic will likely follow - leaving Orjan Nyland and Jed Steer at the club.
With Heaton out for a while, still, Villa are in the market for a keeper.
There is clearly competition for Olsen, though, and no deal would be a done thing - especially if Villa cannot make promises about playing time.


birminghammail--2020-08-02--Nuno's key transfer task if Raul Jimenez stays at Wolves

Wolverhampton Wanderers have the complete number nine in Raul Jimenez .
When Jimenez joined on loan from Benfica two years ago very few people were overwhelmed by the signing .
The Mexican , 27 at the time , had spent the majority of his career as a substitute and his goal record with Benfica and Atletico Madrid was average at best .
But his marriage to Wolves , eventually made permanent for a club-record £32.6million fee , was made in heaven .
Jimenez has scored 30 times in 76 Premier League games - only seven players have managed more over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to his league tally , Jimenez has netted nine times in the Europa League this term , while he scored four in Wolves ’ run to the FA Cup semi-finals last season .
There is now a genuine argument to suggest Jimenez is among the most well-rounded centre-forwards in the game .
Interest in Jimenez is nothing new to Wolves fans and some of the clubs reportedly interested - Juventus , Manchester United and Tottenham to name but a few - is testament to his talent .
Wolves are desperate to hang onto @ @ @ @ @ @ @ find a striker who can lighten Jimenez ’ s load .
The issue Wolves have is who will sign to play the role of second choice striker ?
And that ’ s all that can be offered while Jimenez is still at Molineux .
It ’ s a similar situation to the one Tottenham have had with Harry Kane - who is one of the seven to score more Premier League goals than Jimenez since August 2018 .
An injury lay-off for Kane earlier this year coincided with a six-game winless run for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jose Mourinho , have searched for a competitor to Kane without success .
Fernando Llorente held the position for a short while at Spurs but two goals in 36 league games suggests it wasn ’ t adequately filled .
Wolves need to find a way to make this job description look more appealing .
Another European campaign and the extra games it will bring is bound to help , but Patrick Cutrone ’ s unhappiness and swift exit shows cameos alone won ’ t be enough .
Somehow , Wolves have got to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ won ’ t throw a strop if he doesn ’ t start every week .
Up until now Jimenez ’ s availability record has been impeccable but he is the one player who Wolves simply couldn ’ t manage without for any length of time .
They coped without Willy Boly , they would without others too , but there ’ s simply no one readily available to replace Jimenez .
In addition to the missing defender Nuno has been searching for , another top class centre-forward must be Wolves ’ transfer window @ @

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Wolverhampton Wanderers have the complete number nine in Raul Jimenez.
When Jimenez joined on loan from Benfica two years ago very few people were overwhelmed by the signing.
The Mexican, 27 at the time, had spent the majority of his career as a substitute and his goal record with Benfica and Atletico Madrid was average at best.
But his marriage to Wolves, eventually made permanent for a club-record £32.6million fee, was made in heaven.
(Image: Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Jimenez has scored 30 times in 76 Premier League games - only seven players have managed more over the last two campaigns. In addition to his league tally, Jimenez has netted nine times in the Europa League this term, while he scored four in Wolves’ run to the FA Cup semi-finals last season.
There is now a genuine argument to suggest Jimenez is among the most well-rounded centre-forwards in the game.
Interest in Jimenez is nothing new to Wolves fans and some of the clubs reportedly interested - Juventus, Manchester United and Tottenham to name but a few - is testament to his talent.
Wolves are desperate to hang onto him and Nuno Espirito Santo wants to find a striker who can lighten Jimenez’s load.
The issue Wolves have is who will sign to play the role of second choice striker? And that’s all that can be offered while Jimenez is still at Molineux.
It’s a similar situation to the one Tottenham have had with Harry Kane - who is one of the seven to score more Premier League goals than Jimenez since August 2018.
An injury lay-off for Kane earlier this year coincided with a six-game winless run for Spurs.
Mauricio Pochettino, and now Jose Mourinho, have searched for a competitor to Kane without success. Fernando Llorente held the position for a short while at Spurs but two goals in 36 league games suggests it wasn’t adequately filled.
Wolves need to find a way to make this job description look more appealing. Another European campaign and the extra games it will bring is bound to help, but Patrick Cutrone’s unhappiness and swift exit shows cameos alone won’t be enough.
Somehow, Wolves have got to find a player of high quality who won’t throw a strop if he doesn’t start every week.
Up until now Jimenez’s availability record has been impeccable but he is the one player who Wolves simply couldn’t manage without for any length of time.
They coped without Willy Boly, they would without others too, but there’s simply no one readily available to replace Jimenez.
In addition to the missing defender Nuno has been searching for, another top class centre-forward must be Wolves’ transfer window priority.


birminghammail--2020-08-02--Rushian Hepburn-Murphy hits seventh heaven with stunning debut

Rushian Hepburn-Murphy raised eyebrows earlier in July following the expiration of his Aston Villa contract - by completing a move to Cypriot league side Pafos FC .
Now , he 's raising eyebrows for a different reason .
After leaving Villa without breaking into the senior setup , Hepburn-Murphy was trialled at Derby Country during a loan spell - but the Rams opted not to follow up with a full-time deal .
Sign up for our Villa newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here Now , the young striker has linked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cypriot side .
Hepburn-Murphy had been in Pafos ' squad to face FK Auda - a 1-0 victory as part of Pafos ' pre-season preparations , but there is no indication from the club 's social media feeds that the striker had any part to play .
However , he certainly made an impact when given the opportunity for match action - scoring seven goals in a pre-season match against Riga FC 's B-team .
In the 9-0 victory , Hepburn-Murphy 's seven goals made up the vast majority of the scoreline - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ starting berth when the Cypriot First Division kicks off .

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Rushian Hepburn-Murphy raised eyebrows earlier in July following the expiration of his Aston Villa contract - by completing a move to Cypriot league side Pafos FC.
Now, he's raising eyebrows for a different reason.
After leaving Villa without breaking into the senior setup, Hepburn-Murphy was trialled at Derby Country during a loan spell - but the Rams opted not to follow up with a full-time deal.
Sign up for our Villa newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here
Now, the young striker has linked up with Jason Puncheon at the ambitious Cypriot side.
Hepburn-Murphy had been in Pafos' squad to face FK Auda - a 1-0 victory as part of Pafos' pre-season preparations, but there is no indication from the club's social media feeds that the striker had any part to play.
However, he certainly made an impact when given the opportunity for match action - scoring seven goals in a pre-season match against Riga FC's B-team.
In the 9-0 victory, Hepburn-Murphy's seven goals made up the vast majority of the scoreline - with the former Villan competing for a starting berth when the Cypriot First Division kicks off.


birminghammail--2020-08-02--'Absolutely awful' - Darren Bent opens up on Aston Villa's big summer change

Aston Villa 's biggest decision of the summer so far has been to replace outgoing technical director Jesus Garcia 'Suso ' Pitarch with Copenhagen supremo Johan Lange .
Pitarch departed the Villa during the week after a mixed spell at Villa Park - with plenty of criticism aimed at the club 's recruitment during his reign .
Sign up for our Villa newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here Suso joined Villa as a highly-rated and well reputed director , and while there have been some successes ( arguably most of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ signing ) , fans and pundits alike have found plenty of room to critique Pitarch 's methods .
Former Villan Darren Bent did n't hold back at all when asked about the outgoing director .
`` Their recruitment last summer was awful so I ’ m not surprised he got the chop because it was absolutely awful , '' said Bent speaking to Football Insider .
`` The centre-forward , Wesley , had a tough time and hardly scored any goals .
Samatta ’ s come in , hardly scored any goals , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they ’ ve lacked real depth in quality .
`` You ’ ve got to say who ’ s picking these players up , who ’ s saying these players will succeed at Aston Villa ?
It ’ s not been very good so I ’ m not surprised that ’ s the case .
Villa need a real overhaul . ''
In charge of that 'overhaul ' will be Lange , who helped guide Copenhagen to success while netting massive profits .

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Aston Villa's biggest decision of the summer so far has been to replace outgoing technical director Jesus Garcia 'Suso' Pitarch with Copenhagen supremo Johan Lange.
Pitarch departed the Villa during the week after a mixed spell at Villa Park - with plenty of criticism aimed at the club's recruitment during his reign.
Sign up for our Villa newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here
Suso joined Villa as a highly-rated and well reputed director, and while there have been some successes (arguably most of his recruits have increased in value since signing), fans and pundits alike have found plenty of room to critique Pitarch's methods.
Former Villan Darren Bent didn't hold back at all when asked about the outgoing director.
"Their recruitment last summer was awful so I’m not surprised he got the chop because it was absolutely awful," said Bent speaking to Football Insider.
"The centre-forward, Wesley, had a tough time and hardly scored any goals. Samatta’s come in, hardly scored any goals, they’ve struggled in areas and they’ve lacked real depth in quality.
"You’ve got to say who’s picking these players up, who’s saying these players will succeed at Aston Villa? It’s not been very good so I’m not surprised that’s the case. Villa need a real overhaul."
In charge of that 'overhaul' will be Lange, who helped guide Copenhagen to success while netting massive profits.


birminghammail--2020-08-02--Millions of Brits could get help claiming Universal Credit with new support fund

Millions of Brits struggling to get access to Universal Credit during the coronavirus crisis and its economic impact look set to get more help .
Between March 16 , 2020 , when the lockdown came into effect , and June 16 , 2020 , the DWP received 3.2 million new applications for Universal Credit .
But many fall foul of the system , the National Audit Office recently found .
Now the DWP has been asked to set up a fund to support the work of community organisations who assist people with benefits applications .
Vulnerable claimants and those who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ purely digital process of Universal Credit are among those suffering the most .
The call for better support came from a new report looking at Universal Credit and why it is n't working effectively .
BirminghamLive has already detailed 14 major changes proposed in the report for improving the welfare scheme .
More cash support for community organisations is an additional way the Government is being asked to help .
The report , titled 'Universal Credit is n't working : proposals for reform ' , is the result of research by the House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well as those big improvements to the benefit itself , there is a recommendation for extra funding to groups outside Government who help members of the public apply for Universal Credit and other benefits .
These community services include Help to Claim , offered by Citizens Advice and Citizens Advice Scotland .
The DWP invested £39 million into setting up Help to Claim in April 2019 to provide `` enhanced , free , confidential and impartial support to help people make a Universal Credit claim . ''
But the new parliamentary report says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enough .
It said : `` The Government has provided funding for limited support to claimants , notably via the Help to Claim service .
However , this stops after the first successful claim .
The Government expects work coaches to be the main agents of support thereafter , but their time is already stretched .
`` It should not be necessary for claimants to require specialist help to navigate the system .
`` As this is necessary under Universal Credit , claimants have a right to informed , independent and free advice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dramatic impact on the provision of support services by local authorities , housing providers and community-based advice bodies , as helping claimants to navigate the system has become one of the main functions of such services .
`` Claimants have a right to such support ; but this has had a significant impact on the budgets of such organisations .
`` The Government should devise a fund for supporting this work , work alongside local authorities to identify best practice for providing ongoing and accessible advice , and publish the results . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a broad range of help for the most vulnerable members of society never happened because of spending cuts .
But it says such support is essential .
It explained : `` The original proponents of Universal Credit envisaged a comprehensive system of support for the most vulnerable people and those with the most complex needs .
`` However , we were told that this work was never undertaken as a result of the cuts to public spending that took place under the Coalition Government .
`` The Government must do more to recognise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support and advice that are doing the vital work of supporting the hardest to reach claimants at great expense .
This would ensure that vulnerable people are able to receive the help that they need and are able to navigate the social security system . ''
And it says more help is needed for those who can not manage the online process of claiming and managing their benefits .
It said : `` Most people do not struggle with a predominantly digital service , but a significant minority do .
The need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first claim .
`` Claimants are expected to manage their Universal Credit accounts and work journals online for the duration of their claim .
It is essential that trusted organisations are funded to guide people through the process . ''

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Millions of Brits struggling to get access to Universal Credit during the coronavirus crisis and its economic impact look set to get more help.
Between March 16, 2020, when the lockdown came into effect, and June 16, 2020, the DWP received 3.2 million new applications for Universal Credit.
But many fall foul of the system, the National Audit Office recently found.
Now the DWP has been asked to set up a fund to support the work of community organisations who assist people with benefits applications.
Vulnerable claimants and those who don't have easy access to the purely digital process of Universal Credit are among those suffering the most.
The call for better support came from a new report looking at Universal Credit and why it isn't working effectively.
BirminghamLive has already detailed 14 major changes proposed in the report for improving the welfare scheme.
More cash support for community organisations is an additional way the Government is being asked to help.
The report, titled 'Universal Credit isn't working: proposals for reform', is the result of research by the House of Lords Economic Affairs Committee.
As well as those big improvements to the benefit itself, there is a recommendation for extra funding to groups outside Government who help members of the public apply for Universal Credit and other benefits.
These community services include Help to Claim, offered by Citizens Advice and Citizens Advice Scotland. The DWP invested £39 million into setting up Help to Claim in April 2019 to provide "enhanced, free, confidential and impartial support to help people make a Universal Credit claim."
But the new parliamentary report says the help provided does not go far enough.
It said: "The Government has provided funding for limited support to claimants, notably via the Help to Claim service. However, this stops after the first successful claim. The Government expects work coaches to be the main agents of support thereafter, but their time is already stretched.
"It should not be necessary for claimants to require specialist help to navigate the system.
"As this is necessary under Universal Credit, claimants have a right to informed, independent and free advice.
"The benefit has had a dramatic impact on the provision of support services by local authorities, housing providers and community-based advice bodies, as helping claimants to navigate the system has become one of the main functions of such services.
"Claimants have a right to such support; but this has had a significant impact on the budgets of such organisations.
"The Government should devise a fund for supporting this work, work alongside local authorities to identify best practice for providing ongoing and accessible advice, and publish the results."
The report says the original aims of a broad range of help for the most vulnerable members of society never happened because of spending cuts. But it says such support is essential.
It explained: "The original proponents of Universal Credit envisaged a comprehensive system of support for the most vulnerable people and those with the most complex needs.
"However, we were told that this work was never undertaken as a result of the cuts to public spending that took place under the Coalition Government.
"The Government must do more to recognise and fund the impressive networks of local support and advice that are doing the vital work of supporting the hardest to reach claimants at great expense. This would ensure that vulnerable people are able to receive the help that they need and are able to navigate the social security system."
And it says more help is needed for those who cannot manage the online process of claiming and managing their benefits.
It said: "Most people do not struggle with a predominantly digital service, but a significant minority do. The need to provide digital support does not end at the first claim.
"Claimants are expected to manage their Universal Credit accounts and work journals online for the duration of their claim. It is essential that trusted organisations are funded to guide people through the process."


birminghammail--2020-08-02--Linda and Anne Nolan both battling cancer at same time

Linda and Anne Nolan are both battling cancer at the same time .
The Nolans sisters are fighting the disease that killed their sister Bernie seven years ago , they have revealed on social media tonight .
In a tweet tonight , they wrote : `` For the past few months during lockdown , Linda and Anne have been battling cancer & chemotherapy together .
In @ TheSun tomorrow , they bravely tell their story .
We will get through this together , as a family . ''
They both received their diagnoses within days of each other shortly after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ series The Nolans Go Cruising .
They even endured round of chemotherapy together at Blackpool 's Victoria Hospital last month .
`` Oh bless so sorry x massive hugs and love to you and your families x loving watching you on the cruise x , '' one fan wrote .
A second added : `` Take care ladies .
Our thoughts are with you both and your families x '' '' Sending so much love you all , keep sparkling ladies xxx '' a third wrote .
A fourth added : `` Sending @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get through this , you are strong ladies . ''
And a fifth said : `` Sending so much love to these brave ladies , my dad is also going through chemo for a cancer that won ’ t ever go .
It ’ s painful to watch our loved ones go through this '' A sixth wrote : `` Love these girls ... so brave and I wish them all the loves xx ''

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Linda and Anne Nolan are both battling cancer at the same time.
The Nolans sisters are fighting the disease that killed their sister Bernie seven years ago, they have revealed on social media tonight.
In a tweet tonight, they wrote: "For the past few months during lockdown, Linda and Anne have been battling cancer & chemotherapy together. In @TheSun tomorrow, they bravely tell their story. We will get through this together, as a family."
They both received their diagnoses within days of each other shortly after they finished filming for their hit TV series The Nolans Go Cruising.
They even endured round of chemotherapy together at Blackpool's Victoria Hospital last month.
"Oh bless so sorry x massive hugs and love to you and your families x loving watching you on the cruise x," one fan wrote.
A second added: "Take care ladies. Our thoughts are with you both and your families x"
"Sending so much love you all, keep sparkling ladies xxx" a third wrote.
A fourth added: "Sending you love and hugs. You will get through this, you are strong ladies."
And a fifth said: "Sending so much love to these brave ladies, my dad is also going through chemo for a cancer that won’t ever go. It’s painful to watch our loved ones go through this"
A sixth wrote: "Love these girls... so brave and I wish them all the loves xx"


birminghammail--2020-08-02--Aston Villa transfer news live - £100m set aside for Benrahma & three more

Hello and welcome to Sunday 's LIVE coverage of Aston Villa from BirminghamLive .
We will be keeping you up @ @ @ @ @ latest Villa news and views as the transfer window comes into sharp focus following the @ @ @ @ @ weekend .
New sporting director Johan Lange will be tasked with overseeing a summer of @ @ @ @ @ Smith 's side up for another Premier League campaign following their narrow escape in 2019-20 @ @ @ @ @ be the topic of conversation with Arsenal and Manchester United linked while Villa have been @ @ @ @ @ a few targets of their own .
So stick with us on today 's blog @ @ @ @ @ transfer news and opinion on Sunday , August 2 .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Shane Ireland, Ashley Preece, Richard Cusack, James Rushton)

Hello and welcome to Sunday 's LIVE coverage of Aston Villa from BirminghamLive.
We will be keeping you up to date with all the latest Villa news and views as the transfer window comes into sharp focus following the end of the season last weekend.
New sporting director Johan Lange will be tasked with overseeing a summer of recruitment that will set Dean Smith's side up for another Premier League campaign following their narrow escape in 2019-20.
Jack Grealish continues to be the topic of conversation with Arsenal and Manchester United linked while Villa have been credited with an interest in a few targets of their own.
So stick with us on today's blog for all the latest Villa transfer news and opinion on Sunday, August 2.


birminghammail--2020-08-02--Leeds United want to rival Aston Villa for Dean Smith target

Leeds United are keen on in-demand winger Said Benrahma , according to reports .
The 24-year-old is believed to be a target for a number of Premier League clubs having enjoyed an outstanding season in the Championship .
Dean Smith wanted to be reunited with the Brentford flier last summer but Aston Villa were not willing to meet the Bees ' £20million asking price .
He is thought to be on the club 's radar again this summer with Villa preparing for another season in the top-flight .
Sign up for our Villa newsletter with your email in the box @ @ @ @ @ @ @ click here Benrahma has scored 17 goals and provided nine assists this season for Brentford , who fell short of automatic promotion .
According to The Athletic , second tier champions Leeds want to sign the Algeria international as part of their plans to upgrade Marcelo Bielsa 's squad .
Brentford are expected to field plenty of interest in the Algeria international regardless of the outcome of Tuesday 's play-off final against Fulham .
Chelsea are thought to be long-term admirers while Arsenal and West Ham United have also been recently linked .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ speculation involving top-flight sides , he told Metro ( via the Mirror ) : `` I was really flattered .
`` But , at the same time , I am so focused about getting out of the Championship with Brentford that I do not pay too much attention .
But it gives me confidence .
`` It has always been a target of mine to play in the Premier League and I really wish to play in the Premier League with Brentford .
`` It would be magnificent for Brentford because it would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really been working hard on it . ''

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Leeds United are keen on in-demand winger Said Benrahma, according to reports.
The 24-year-old is believed to be a target for a number of Premier League clubs having enjoyed an outstanding season in the Championship.
Dean Smith wanted to be reunited with the Brentford flier last summer but Aston Villa were not willing to meet the Bees' £20million asking price.
He is thought to be on the club's radar again this summer with Villa preparing for another season in the top-flight.
Sign up for our Villa newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here
Benrahma has scored 17 goals and provided nine assists this season for Brentford, who fell short of automatic promotion.
According to The Athletic, second tier champions Leeds want to sign the Algeria international as part of their plans to upgrade Marcelo Bielsa's squad.
Brentford are expected to field plenty of interest in the Algeria international regardless of the outcome of Tuesday's play-off final against Fulham.
Chelsea are thought to be long-term admirers while Arsenal and West Ham United have also been recently linked.
When asked last month about the transfer speculation involving top-flight sides, he told Metro (via the Mirror): "I was really flattered.
"But, at the same time, I am so focused about getting out of the Championship with Brentford that I do not pay too much attention. But it gives me confidence.
"It has always been a target of mine to play in the Premier League and I really wish to play in the Premier League with Brentford.
"It would be magnificent for Brentford because it would be the first time and we have really been working hard on it."


birminghammail--2020-08-02--Origi, Benrahma & every player linked as Villa plot latest transfer spree

It took until the final whistle of Watford vs Arsenal , but Aston Villa confirmed their Premier League status last week with a draw against West Ham United .
Now , the Villans are planning a more comfortable season next time out - with signings arriving in the coming weeks to boost Dean Smith 's squad ahead of the 20/21 top tier season .
Things may be a little different this time though .
Sign up for our Villa newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here After a hectic summer last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drawn up to spend big money on a squad overhaul after Villa 's play-off final win over Derby County , things may calm down for Villa this year after their transfer mayhem left a talented squad without time to gel until the season was suspended .
While Villa are expected to spend big to reinforce the midfield , the wings and their striking position , it is not believed that there will be another overhaul this summer .
Villa would prefer to spend well on the few key positions picked out as priorities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the squad .
However , that does n't mean Villa have stepped off the rumour mill - with a commitment to reinforcing their squad 's strength in exciting areas , Villa have already been linked to a number of dynamic players .
Here 's every single player that has been linked with a summer move to the Villa so far : Villa 's point of focus in this transfer will be a centre-forward , and Liverpool 's Divock Origi fits the bill for that position - as a striker looking for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Villa are currently pondering a move for the Belgian international .
Despite a general lack of sustained playing time , Origi is a cult hero at Anfield due to his knack for bringing goals to big games - but the Reds front-three is an unbreakable barrier for Origi who has had to settle for a bit-part role .
Origi would still attract a high-price , and has clear ability .
A move would work for both teams .
With Villa having an outside look at goalkeeping reinforcements , Pepe Reina is an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a half-season spell on loan at the club .
Reina 's situation is an odd-one .
As a well-paid back-up to Gianluigi Donnarumma , his wage demands might prevent a move without AC Milan intervening to offer a severance package as well as refusing to take a fee for his contract .
Villa were linked with a two-year deal to the goalkeeper yesterday by reports in the Italian media - which referred to Reina 's demand for severance pay to offset a drop in wages picked up as a stumbling point .
However @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Reina may be off the cards .
Smith would prefer to limit incoming signings - and with Heaton due to return from injury after the season kicks off , a deal for Reina could be seen as a luxury , with Smith preferring to commit his attention to other areas of the squad during this time .
Norwich City 's academy star could be set to move to Villa 's Bodymoor Heath youth-setup .
Dutch reports claim the forward could end up at who have been eager to recruit at youth level @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PSV Eindhoven have also been linked .
Now , according to the Pink Un , Shakpoke is 'in talks ' with Villa over joining the academy setup at Bodymoor Heath .
Similarly to Louie Barry , Shakpoke would be a signing for Villa 's youth team - with an eye on a roadmap to the senior team Leicester City forward Kelechi Iheanacho is another linked with a move to Villa Park Allnigeriasoccer.com linked Villa with transfer interest into the one-time Manchester City wonderkid but their might be more than meets the eye to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue his Villa scoring streak against the club , rather than for them .
Jordan Blackwell , the Leicester City correspondent at BirminghamLive 's sister title LeicestershireLive , does n't see a move for Iheanacho in the near future .
`` While Kelechi Iheanacho continues to be linked away , partly in an apparent bid to raise funds to sign another striker , a summer move for the Nigerian seems unlikely given his huge improvements this season , '' he told BirminghamLive .
`` Iheanacho came into the campaign on the back of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rumours of Leicester cutting their losses on the £25m man , behind the scenes the club were always happy with his effort and still felt he had something to offer .
The link to McCarthy received a mixed-reaction from the Villans fanbase , but it 'd be hard to argue at a cheaper move that raises the general depth of the larger squad - especially if that cheaper move brings in Premier League and international experience for a player under the age of thirty .
The Daily Mail linked Irish international McCarthy with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
McCarthy has n't enjoyed a spot in the limelight since a horrific leg break during his time at Everton , and was a rotation option for Crystal Palace , starting in around half of their matches after a tough time on Merseyside .
The report states that Villa 's interest in McCarthy is due to a need to bump up experience levels in the squad .
The flying full-back has been linked to Villa in a number of reports after Hickey broke through during Heart 's last season .
However , they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Daily Record , teenager Hickey is a top transfer priority for Italian side Bologna .
The BBC state that as well as Bologna , Villa and Bayern Munich are keen on making an offer for the youngster .
Due to expiring contracts within the next year , Villa have identified full-back as a position of some importance in this year 's transfer window , and Villa may well dip their toe back into a market that has been a source for success for the club in the past .
The Reading @ @ @ @ @ @ @ purchases Villa make this summer .
Swift , 25 , is reported to be a target for Villa in the summer transfer window having impressed in the Championship .
According to the Reading Chronicle , the Villa are among the sides weighing up a move for the midfielder , who scored six goals and provided 10 assists in the 2019/20 season .
The obvious option for a Swift move will come if Jack Grealish moves on amid interest from Manchester United .
Swift would be available for under £10 million .
A favourite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Benrahma 's future stands in flux with his Brentford side due to take on Fulham with the winner taking the final place open in the 20/21 Premier League season .
A win for the Bees may well secure Benrahma to the club for another season , but clubs such as Villa and Chelsea are interested in the player .
The Sunday Mirror claim that Dean Smith has his eye on a winger with pace , a proven striker , a midfielder and a centre-back .
Villa have been linked with Benrahma and Smith @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wideman is also interesting West Ham United .
Spanish midfielder Campana is another player who has been linked to Villa .
Spanish outlet El Desmarque reports that Villa , Leeds United , Everton and Arsenal are showing interest in Campana , who enjoyed a brief stint in England with Crystal Palace six years ago .
He wo n't come cheaply though .
Earlier reports in the Spanish press ahead of the transfer window placed Campana 's value at around £27million and Levante do not feel the need to sell , but their manager @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Paco Lopez admits the 'possibility always exists ' that Levante could sell their star players .
He said : `` The club has not passed on to me any decision that he should be sold to anyone .
At no time , on the contrary .
We know what club we are in and we know that this possibility always exists . ''
If Villa were to pay the desired figure for Campana it would smash their transfer record .
FootRDC linked Villa to the transfer signing of Christian Luyindama of Galatasary , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ earmarked for the international defender .
Villa could be in the market for an extra centre-back , but that depends on the status of Tyrone Mings , Ezri Konsa , Bjorn Engels and Kortney Hause Perhaps one of the bigger stories in the current stage of the transfer window involves QPR star Eze .
The QPR youngster is on the radar of a number of clubs including Crystal Palace and Villa .
QPR , who are not interesting in parting with Eze for anything less than what they feel he is worth , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around £20m , reports the Guardian .
Villa , Newcastle , West Bromwich Albion and a number of other clubs are keeping tabs - but Eze wo n't be leaving unless it suits QPR .
“ Whatever happens happens , but if any player leaves QPR – and this is the key point – they leave on QPR ’ s terms .
That ’ s what people have to realise , '' said boss Mark Warburton .
“ Every player in the world has got a price , whoever they are .
If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ win .
“ I hope very much that everyone returns in 20 days ’ time .
But if we lose one or two it ’ s on QPR ’ s terms , that ’ s for sure.
” Swedish No.1 Robin Olsen is another link for the club - with connections to new sporting director Johan Lange .
Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport outlined earlier how the 30-year-old 'could become an objective for Aston Villa ' following Lange 's appiointment .

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The clock is ticking, and no major deals have been completed by Aston Villa.
However, the ball is rolling as Villa line up their first signing of what could be a busy summer.
With the appointment of Johan Lange and Rob Mackenzie to head a recruitment team, the Villans are planning a more comfortable season next time out - with signings arriving in the coming weeks to boost Dean Smith's squad ahead of the 20/21 top tier season.
Things may be a little different this time though - compared to last season, and signings could arrive a little later, with Villa's 20/21 debut pushed back a week.
Sign up for our Villa newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here
After a hectic summer last year - where a plan was quickly drawn up to spend big money on a squad overhaul after Villa's play-off final win over Derby County, things may calm down for Villa this year after their transfer mayhem left a talented squad without time to gel until the season was suspended.
While Villa are expected to spend big to reinforce the midfield, the wings and their striking position, it is not believed that there will be another overhaul this summer.
Villa would prefer to spend well on the few key positions picked out as priorities while upgrading the general depth and quality of the squad.
However, that doesn't mean Villa have stepped off the rumour mill - with a commitment to reinforcing their squad's strength in exciting areas, Villa have already been linked to a number of dynamic players.
Here's every single player that has been linked with a summer move to the Villa so far:
Said Benrahma
It is likely that Said Benrahma will be playing in the 20/21 Premier League season despite Brentford falling against Fulham in the play-off final.
Chelsea, West Ham, Tottenham, Leeds and Arsenal are interested in the player alongside Villa.
A favourite of the Villa transfer rumour mill, Benrahma's future at Brentford is in flux.
(Image: PA)
Benrahma has informed Brentford officials of his desire to play in the Premier League next term - according to the Mirror - is a source of encouragement to Villa, and indeed Benrahma’s other suitors.
However, Spurs seem to be in a strong position to capitalise.
The winger did not feature in Brentford's pre-season clash with Derby County earlier today, and is set to leave the club in the near future.
Benrahma's fee could well put Villa off, though.
Divock Origi
Villa's point of focus in this transfer will be a centre-forward, and Liverpool's Divock Origi fits the bill for that position - as a striker looking for a starting berth.
According to The Sun, Villa are currently pondering a move for the Belgian international and The Mirror confirmed Villa's interest last week, reporting the forward is an 'option' for the club in the transfer market. They hinted at a £20m price tag.
(Image: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
Despite a general lack of sustained playing time, Origi is a cult hero at Anfield due to his knack for bringing goals to big games - but the Reds front-three is an unbreakable barrier for Origi who has had to settle for a bit-part role.
Origi would still attract a high-price, and has clear ability. A move would work for both teams.
Ollie Watkins
Premier League clubs are circling around Watkins after Brentford missed out on promotion by losing to Fulham in the Championship play-off final.
Villa are desperately in need of reinforcements in forward areas after ending the season as one of the top-flight's lowest scorers - and in need of a striker.
(Image: Alex Burstow/Getty Images)
Watkins rattled in 25 goals in 46 appearances as part of a devastating attacking unit which included another Villa target, Said Benrahma.
According to the Guardian, Dean Smith's side are showing 'strong interest' in the 24-year-old who will be allowed to leave this summer.
Crystal Palace and West Ham United are also said to be interested while newly-promoted Leeds United have been linked, alongside Fulham.
Villa were believed to be in pole position, but no word has emerged of a deal being finalised - yet, while Sky Sports report Scott Parker's Fulham side are 'in talks' over a deal for Watkins, who is valued at around £25m.
Like Benrahma, Watkins did not feature in Brentford's pre-season clash with Derby.
Pepe Reina
With Villa having an outside look at goalkeeping reinforcements, Pepe Reina was an obvious choice for the club having served a half-season spell on loan at the club.
Villa were linked with a two-year deal to the goalkeeper earlier in the month by reports in the Italian media - which referred to Reina's demand for severance pay to offset a drop in wages picked up as a stumbling point.
However, Reina won't be stepping outside of Italy, and is set to sign with Lazio very soon.
Weston McKennie
Sources revealed to BirminghamLive that McKennie had asked about both Aston Villa and Southampton ahead of a profile-boosting move over from Schalke, with the Athletic reporting that Villa were interested in the player.
(Image: Ronald Wittek/Pool via Getty Images)
McKennie will get the move that puts him onto the map, but the midfielder is reportedly headed to Serie A on a loan-to-buy deal, linking up with Juventus.
Ruben Shakpoke
Norwich City's academy star is set to move to Villa's Bodymoor Heath youth-setup.
Dutch reports claimed that the forward could end up at Villa who have been eager to recruit at youth level for some time, while Dutch side PSV Eindhoven have also been linked.
Similarly to Louie Barry, Shakpoke would be a signing for Villa's youth team - with an eye on a roadmap to the senior team, and Villa could announce a deal very soon.
Odsonne Edouard
Aston Villa have reportedly made contact with Scottish champions Celtic over £40million-rated striker Odsonne Edouard.
(Image: Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
The French forward is attracting plenty of interest from the Premier League with Arsenal and Leicester City - who are managed by former Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers - said to be keen on signing him.
The Celtic striker has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League, with Villa reportedly ready to test the waters with a £30m bid.
Edouard, 22, joined Celtic from PSG for £10million in 2018.
Kelechi Ihenacho
Leicester City forward Kelechi Iheanacho was another linked with a move to Villa Park
Allnigeriasoccer.com linked Villa with transfer interest into the one-time Manchester City wonderkid but their might be more than meets the eye to this rumour - meaning he'll likely continue his Villa scoring streak against the club, rather than for them.
Jordan Blackwell, the Leicester City correspondent at BirminghamLive's sister title LeicestershireLive, doesn't see a move for Iheanacho in the near future.
"While Kelechi Iheanacho continues to be linked away, partly in an apparent bid to raise funds to sign another striker, a summer move for the Nigerian seems unlikely given his huge improvements this season," he told BirminghamLive.
"Iheanacho came into the campaign on the back of an 11-month goal drought, but despite rumours of Leicester cutting their losses on the £25m man, behind the scenes the club were always happy with his effort and still felt he had something to offer.
Gonzalo Higuain
Aston Villa have been linked with a stunning move for Juventus forward Gonzalo Higuain.
The Argentine, whose previous experience of the Premier League only extends to his short loan spell at Chelsea in the season of 2018-19, appears to have no future at Juve and new boss Andrea Pirlo is open to him moving on.
Italian outlet La Repubblica claim that Villa and Premier League rivals West Ham United have enquired about the possibility of bringing him to England and have even held preliminary talks with his representatives.
James McCarthy
The link to McCarthy received a mixed-reaction from the Villans fanbase, but it'd be hard to argue at a cheaper move that raises the general depth of the larger squad - especially if that cheaper move brings in Premier League and international experience for a player under the age of thirty.
The Daily Mail linked Irish international McCarthy with a £5 million move to the Villa.
(Image: Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
McCarthy hasn't enjoyed a spot in the limelight since a horrific leg break during his time at Everton, and was a rotation option for Crystal Palace, starting in around half of their matches after a tough time on Merseyside.
The report states that Villa's interest in McCarthy is due to a need to bump up experience levels in the squad.
There have been no more reports since the initial link.
Aaron Hickey
The flying full-back has been linked to Villa in a number of reports after Hickey broke through during Heart's last season - and two clubs have submitted offers of a sort.
However, they dropped down a division and, according to the Daily Record, teenager Hickey is a top transfer priority for Italian side Bologna - who have made a bid.
The BBC stated that as well as Bologna, Villa and Bayern Munich are keen on making an offer for the youngster, but it is not Villa who have made the second offer.
Bayern Munich invited Hickey to tour their training facilities ahead of a permanent contract offer.
Due to expiring contracts within the next year, Villa have identified full-back as a position of some importance in this year's transfer window, and Villa may well dip their toe back into a market that has been a source for success for the club in the past.
Hearts captain Steven Naismith says that Hickey should concentrate on Hearts though, with his future currently unresolved.
"What will happen with his future will happen," Naismith told BBC Scotland.
"There's no point overthinking anything at the moment; just get your head down and work hard and if he moves on he moves on.
"If he doesn't, he'll have another season of first-team football which will do him no harm."
Bologna and Bayern are the most likely destinations for the full-back, with Celtic watching on.
John Swift
The Reading star could be one of the cheapest purchases Villa make this summer.
Swift, 25, is reported to be a target for Villa in the summer transfer window having impressed in the Championship.
(Image: Warren Little/Getty Images)
According to the Reading Chronicle, the Villa are among the sides weighing up a move for the midfielder, who scored six goals and provided 10 assists in the 2019/20 season.
The obvious option for a Swift move will come if Jack Grealish moves on.
Swift would be available for under £10 million, and it is Sheffield United who have stolen a march on Villa - bartering with Reading ownership for a deal amid interest from Leeds.
Jose Campana
Spanish midfielder Campana is another player who has been linked to Villa.
Spanish outlet El Desmarque reports that Villa, Leeds United, Everton and Arsenal are showing interest in Campana, who enjoyed a brief stint in England with Crystal Palace six years ago.
He won't come cheaply though.
Earlier reports in the Spanish press ahead of the transfer window placed Campana's value at around £27million and Levante do not feel the need to sell, but their manager won't rule out a deal.
Paco Lopez admits the 'possibility always exists' that Levante could sell their star players.
He said: "The club has not passed on to me any decision that he should be sold to anyone. At no time, on the contrary. We know what club we are in and we know that this possibility always exists."
If Villa were to pay the desired figure for Campana it would smash their transfer record, and he is another player linked to Leeds that Villa are interested in.
Callum Wilson
There will be no fire-sale at Bournemouth ahead of the upcoming 20/21 season, with Aston Villa keeping tabs on Callum Wilson.
(Image: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
West Ham, Everton, Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace have been linked to the Bournemouth hotshot, who is believed to be on the market following the Cherries’ relegation to the Championship at the end of last season.
Reports had linked Villa to a swap deal for Wilson, with Scott Hogan venturing in the other direction.
Christian Luyindama
FootRDC linked Villa to the transfer signing of Christian Luyindama of Galatasary, with a fee of 15 million euros earmarked for the international defender.
Villa could be in the market for an extra centre-back, but that depends on the status of Tyrone Mings, Ezri Konsa, Bjorn Engels and Kortney Hause.
Omar Elabdellaoui
Omar Elabdellaoui rejected the chance to join Aston Villa when he signed for Galatasaray this week, according to reports.
The former Manchester City full-back has been linked with Villa for several months going back to before the January transfer window.
Villa reportedly watched him in action in December when Olympiacos beat Red Star Belgrade in the Champions League.
Harry Wilson
Liverpool trickster Harry Wilson is on Villa's radar.
However, it is Leeds are registering their tangible interest and are considering a £15m bid.
Villa will turn their attentions to Wilson if Brentford don't lower their asking price for Said Benrahma, according to reports.
Villa boss Dean Smith is known to be a huge fan of Benrahma - who scored 17 goals in the Championship last season - and wants to bring him to B6.
But Smith is being put off by Brentford's £30million asking price for a player who is also of interest to Arsenal and Chelsea after a stunning campaign in the second tier.
Takefusa Kubo
Real Madrid youngster Takefusa Kubo is now a Villarreal player for the rest of the season.
That will be a small blow to Villa who were linked to the player in a late report.
OndaCero.es claim that Kubo was the attention of a pursuit that includes Borussia Dortmund, Ajax, Paris Saint-Germain and the Villans.
However, those clubs won't likely be able to action any interest in the winger - with Real Madrid preferring a domestic loan spell - and not a permanent sale nor overseas loan - for the player ahead of potential first team action in 21/22 for Kubo.
This link will be off the cards, for now.
Milot Rashica
The Kosovan winger emerged as a surprise target for Villa, and it's now a very real ongoing saga for the club.
Rashica wanted to go to well-documented admirers RB Leipzig but the two clubs couldn’t agree a fee. The Kosovan now believes there’s a real chance he will stay at current club Werder Bremen and will wait until the January transfer window. The 24-year-old is desperate to play in the Champions League.
Regarding Villa’s interest, the possibility of a move remains open after they reportedly met Werder’s £22.5 million asking price. However, Rashica will only move to Villa as a last resort. Monaco remain interested in him, yet Leipzig are trying to get a deal done for £18 million, £4.5 million short of Werder’s demand.
Kieran Trippier
A report in AS.COM over in Spain has detailed Villa’s reported pursuit of Atletico Madrid right-back Kieran Trippier:
"At the moment, the interest does not go beyond a mere survey and there is no talk of a specific offer, but it seems complicated that Atlético can consider negotiating his departure despite the fact that, precisely in his position, they have two other right-backs: Arias and Vrsaljko.
Matty Cash
Reports continue to surface regarding Villa’s interest in Nottingham Forest star Matty Cash.
Sheffield United have reportedly had a £10 million bid knocked back for the 23-year-old who can also operate in central midfield.
Cash made 45 appearances last term - scoring three and assisting five - as Forest narrowly missed out on promotion.
The Reds are demanding £15 million for their star player. Smith is well-known to be an admirer of Cash. West Ham are also tracking the man from Slough who only signed a new deal last summer.
Robin Olsen
Swedish No.1 Robin Olsen is another link for the club - with connections to new sporting director Johan Lange.
Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport outlined earlier how the 30-year-old 'could become an objective for Aston Villa' following Lange's appiointment.
No news has broken since the initial reports.
Omar Colley
Genoa-based Il Secolo XIX cite Villa being one of three Premier League clubs interesting in taking the 27-year-old centre-half who, last term, started 30 times in Serie A.
The report claims Claudio Ranieri’s side are holding out for around £18 million for the defender, with La Samp looking to make a tidy profit after signing Colley from Racing Club Genk for £7.2 million back in 2018.
Grady Diangana
Aston Villa are one of a host of Premier League clubs linked with Grady Diangana, with the winger seeking assurances about his future at West Ham.
The 22-year-old shone for West Brom last season, netting eight times during his loan spell as they earned promotion back to the top-flight.
Albion are understood to be keen on bringing Diangana back to the Hawthorns, but face intense competition this time around.
Fulham and Southampton have both been linked and now, the Beautiful Game Podcast have claimed Villa are interested in making a move for him.
Earlier this month, the Daily Mail reported that Diangana is looking for clarity on his chances of breaking into David Moyes' starting XI, with the winger reluctant for a season on the sidelines.
Marko Grujic
Aston Villa are being linked with a move for Liverpool midfielder Marko Grujic.
According to Goal, the 24-year-old emerged as a transfer target for Villa this summer having been deemed surplus to requirements at Anfield.
Serbia international Grujic returned to Liverpool from a two season-long loan spell at Hertha Berlin, where he impressed in the Bundesliga.
Phillip Billing
The Bournemouth midfielder is of interest to Aston Villa according to Goal.com - as an alternative to the aforementioned Grujic.
The hard-hitting midfielder could be available at a cheaper price than Grujic.
Aaron Ramsdale
Villa were linked to Aaron Ramsdale, but the goalkeeper moved to Sheffield United - with reports casting suspicion on the validity of Villa's interest.
Reports identified that Villa had launched a late intervention to pry Ramsdale out of Chris Wilder’s clutches, with Sheffield United taking the lead on any deal to sign the goalkeeper.
That interest ended with the Blades landing the goalkeeper.
Eberechi Eze
Perhaps one of the bigger stories in the current stage of the transfer window involves QPR star Eze.
The QPR youngster is on the radar of a number of clubs including Crystal Palace and Villa.
QPR, who are not interesting in parting with Eze for anything less than what they feel he is worth, are believed to value the forward at around £20m, reports the Guardian.
Villa, Newcastle, West Bromwich Albion and a number of other clubs are keeping tabs - but Eze won't be leaving unless it suits QPR.
(Image: Getty Images)
“Whatever happens happens, but if any player leaves QPR – and this is the key point – they leave on QPR’s terms. That’s what people have to realise," said boss Mark Warburton.
“Every player in the world has got a price, whoever they are. If that valuation is met then everyone should win.
“I hope very much that everyone returns in 20 days’ time. But if we lose one or two it’s on QPR’s terms, that’s for sure.”
It is understood that Crystal Palace are nearing a deal - while West Brom submitted a bid of their own.


birminghammail--2020-08-02--Leao drops social media hint after Wolves transfer 'proposal' claims

Wolverhampton Wanderers are again being linked with AC Milan striker Rafael Leao .
Leao , 20 , was touted with @ @ @ @ @ last year 's summer transfer window having impressed at Lille in Ligue 1 .
The @ @ @ @ @ Milan , where he scored six goals in 31 Serie A appearances this season .
@ @ @ @ @ have been keeping tabs on Leao during his debut campaign in Italy .
Sign up @ @ @ @ @ your email in the box at the top of the page or click here They @ @ @ @ @ Jorge Mendes has put forward a 'proposal ' to both Wolves and La Liga side @ @ @ @ @ deal .
But Leao appears to have poured cold water on suggestions he could be @ @ @ @ @ hint posted on social media .
“ I finish my first season in this great @ @ @ @ @ we will go more next season , ” he said on Instagram .
Napoli and @ @ @ @ @ with Leao , who cost Milan 30million euros ( £27m ) last August .

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Wolverhampton Wanderers are again being linked with AC Milan striker Rafael Leao.
Leao, 20, was touted with a move to Molinuex in last year's summer transfer window having impressed at Lille in Ligue 1.
The Portugal under-21 international instead joined Milan, where he scored six goals in 31 Serie A appearances this season.
According to Calciomercato, Wolves have been keeping tabs on Leao during his debut campaign in Italy.
Sign up to our Wolves newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here
They report the forward's agent Jorge Mendes has put forward a 'proposal' to both Wolves and La Liga side Atletico Madrid about a potential deal.
But Leao appears to have poured cold water on suggestions he could be on the move with a hint posted on social media.
“I finish my first season in this great club with a win, we will go more next season,” he said on Instagram.
Napoli and Juventus have also been linked with Leao, who cost Milan 30million euros (£27m) last August.


birminghammail--2020-08-02--Appeal: Woman 'sexually assaulted after rejecting man' at city centre bar

Police have launched an appeal after a woman was allegedly sexually assaulted in a city centre bar .
The woman was enjoying a night out at an Arcadian venue when she was approached by a man at around 12.20am .
West Midlands Police said 'despite rejecting his attention he went on to touch her under her clothes ' .
The force said the victim was left 'distressed ' by the alleged incident which took place in the early hours of Sunday , February 23 .
After several months , West Midlands Police issued the above CCTV in an appeal today @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They urged anyone who recognises the man to come forward .
The appeal , shared alongside the video above , read : `` Do you know who this is ?
`` We want to talk to him after a woman was sexually assaulted in a bar in the Arcadian Centre , # Birmingham city centre at just after 12.20am on Sunday 23 February .
`` The woman was approached by a man and despite rejecting his attention he went on to touch her under her clothes , causing her distress .
`` If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quoting crime number 20BW/49070Z/20 , via Live Chat at www.west-midlands.police.uk , 8am to midnight , or call 101 anytime .

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Police have launched an appeal after a woman was allegedly sexually assaulted in a city centre bar.
The woman was enjoying a night out at an Arcadian venue when she was approached by a man at around 12.20am.
West Midlands Police said 'despite rejecting his attention he went on to touch her under her clothes'.
The force said the victim was left 'distressed' by the alleged incident which took place in the early hours of Sunday, February 23.
(Image: WMP)
After several months, West Midlands Police issued the above CCTV in an appeal today (Sunday, August 2).
They urged anyone who recognises the man to come forward.
The appeal, shared alongside the video above, read: "Do you know who this is?
"We want to talk to him after a woman was sexually assaulted in a bar in the Arcadian Centre, #Birmingham city centre at just after 12.20am on Sunday 23 February.
"The woman was approached by a man and despite rejecting his attention he went on to touch her under her clothes, causing her distress.
"If you know who he is contact us quoting crime number 20BW/49070Z/20, via Live Chat at www.west-midlands.police.uk, 8am to midnight, or call 101 anytime.
"Alternatively to remain anonymous call Crimestopers on 0800 555 111."
*Update - As of Tuesday morning, August 4 no arrests had been made and police enquiries were continuing.


birminghammail--2020-08-02--Former West Brom assistant Eddie Newton lands deserved managerial role

Former West Bromwich Albion assistant manager Eddie Newton has earned his first managerial role after over a decade spent backing up another boss .
The former Albion coach , who followed Roberto Di Matteo from MK Dons to West Brom to Chelsea , has been named as Trabzonspor 's manager .
`` Our Board of Directors has decided to continue with Eddie Newton as head coach .
We wish Newton success in his post '' read a brief statement from the club .
Sign up for our Baggies newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guided the club to their first trophy in a decade , admitted to The Telegraph that he simply gave up trying to carve out a career in England , believing applying domestically was pointless as his application 'would n't be looked at ' .
That led to Newton taking a chance elsewhere .
He was appointed as assistant to Huseyin Cimsir at Trabzonspor - with a chance at the top job coming six months into his time in Turkey .
`` I 've been trying to become a No 1 for a while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' , said Newton to Sky Sports .
`` The fact is that I 've moved to another country and it 's taken six months to become caretaker manager so ...
I 've been working in football all my life so that 's why I felt there was more opportunity over here , so I had to take the chance , basically .
I think I got to the point where I thought I have to take this opportunity , I have to take this chance now or maybe it will never happen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down the league .
Not my opinion or anyone 's opinion , just look at the facts .
There are very few black managers in the league , therefore the numbers do n't lie . ''
Newton certainly took his chance , and that has now paid off with a medal and his first permanent role as a first-team manager .

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Former West Bromwich Albion assistant manager Eddie Newton has earned his first managerial role after over a decade spent backing up another boss.
The former Albion coach, who followed Roberto Di Matteo from MK Dons to West Brom to Chelsea, has been named as Trabzonspor's manager.
"Our Board of Directors has decided to continue with Eddie Newton as head coach. We wish Newton success in his post" read a brief statement from the club.
Sign up for our Baggies newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here
Newton, who guided the club to their first trophy in a decade, admitted to The Telegraph that he simply gave up trying to carve out a career in England, believing applying domestically was pointless as his application 'wouldn't be looked at'.
That led to Newton taking a chance elsewhere. He was appointed as assistant to Huseyin Cimsir at Trabzonspor - with a chance at the top job coming six months into his time in Turkey.
"I've been trying to become a No 1 for a while and just didn't see it happening", said Newton to Sky Sports.
"The fact is that I've moved to another country and it's taken six months to become caretaker manager so... I've been working in football all my life so that's why I felt there was more opportunity over here, so I had to take the chance, basically. I think I got to the point where I thought I have to take this opportunity, I have to take this chance now or maybe it will never happen for me"
"Look up and down the league. Not my opinion or anyone's opinion, just look at the facts. There are very few black managers in the league, therefore the numbers don't lie."
Newton certainly took his chance, and that has now paid off with a medal and his first permanent role as a first-team manager.


birminghammail--2020-08-02--Grade II listed Gothic-style cannabis factory right next to M5 in West Bromwich

If there 's one thing that police are discovering after two decades of the 21st century , it 's that cannabis factories are coming in all shapes and sizes - and they can here , there and everywhere .
They have been found in mid-terraced homes in densely populated residential areas , isolated industrial units , former churches and even underground .
Now one has been found inside a Grade II listed building under the noses of thousands of motorists who pass by on the M5 through West Bromwich every day .
The risk of the electrical equipment catching fire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as recent fires in student digs in Dawlish Road , Selly Oak and a mid-terraced property in Bridge Street South , Smethwick have proved .
In one the biggest Midlands discoveries of its kind , police have revealed they have now found plants worth £3 million inside a Victorian building in West Bromwich .
Once home to an engineering company that began life in 1791 , its features are a familiar landmark for motorists on the elevated stretch of the M5 right next door .
Watch the video above to see how the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the modern landscape all around it .
What has been uncovered ?
West Midlands Police today revealed they had discovered the farm concealed within Haliburton House ( not its original name ) in Hall Street South , West Bromwich .
Plants were found across all three floors as well as the loft space and even in the clock tower .
West Midlands Police Detective Inspector Ade George , said : “ We strongly suspect this drugs factory , given the scale , is linked to serious organised crime .
“ It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discovery , especially as the crop was nearing harvest , will be a significant dent in the finances of the crime group involved .
“ We ’ ve seized several million pounds worth of drugs plus equipment also costing tens of thousands of pounds .
“ A drugs factory of this size , with all the modifications , takes a lot of time and effort ; I would suggest it has been in operation for around six months .
There is also clear evidence of living quarters within the property . ''
What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It was once home to a local firm which began life as an iron founder in 1791 , manufacturing buckles and livery fittings .
The site was put up for auction in 2014 and earlier this year the Planning Inspectorate threw out an appeal against Sandwell Council 's decision last year to refuse planning permission for it to be turned into flats with office space and storage .
Historic England has the following information about the Victorian building which was listed on March 30 , 1987 .
It says : `` This building @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Buildings and Conservation Areas ) Act 1990 as amended for its special architectural or historic interest . ''
The official citation says : `` Offices and stores for engineering works .
1880s .
Brick with some dressings of stone and terra cotta .
Tile roofs .
Gothic style .
Three storeys .
Seven gables face Hall Street .
`` On the ground floor is an arcade of 14 pointed arches , chamfered in three orders .
`` All contain windows except for the 12th , which contains a door .
`` Each of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three bays .
The central bays contain paired windows separated by shafts set within a two-storey recess with a cusped round opening under its pointed head .
`` Under the second and fifth gables are two bays , but the fifth has three windows on the first floor .
`` The left hand gable is of one bay .
The two right hand gables have paired windows separated by shafts , the upper ones with pointed heads , within pointed recesses .
`` The sixth is of two bays .
The seventh is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ side being cut into by a clock tower .
This has paired lancet openings under a pointed stone head with quatrefoil .
`` Above are clock faces within stone gables with tracery decoration .
Above is a short spire now covered by felt , with timber lucarnes . ''
The cannabis farm was discovered after a utilities company reported a surge in electricity usage at the historic building .
A Cannabis Disposal Team was not able to clear the site immediately due to an asbestos warning − but after working with a specialist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the drugs removed for destruction .
Detective Inspector Ade George : “ No-one has been arrested at this stage but our enquiries into who was behind the factory are underway - and I ’ d urge anyone with information to get in contact . ''
Dashcam or cyclecam video of any suspicious activity is also being sought .
West Midlands Police can be reached via Live Chat messaging via the website or by calling 101 .
Please quote crime reference 20SW/169506P/20 .

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If there's one thing that police are discovering after two decades of the 21st century, it's that cannabis factories are coming in all shapes and sizes - and they can here, there and everywhere.
They have been found in mid-terraced homes in densely populated residential areas, isolated industrial units, former churches and even underground.
Now one has been found inside a Grade II listed building under the noses of thousands of motorists who pass by on the M5 through West Bromwich every day.
The risk of the electrical equipment catching fire poses a particular danger in residential neighbourhoods as recent fires in student digs in Dawlish Road, Selly Oak and a mid-terraced property in Bridge Street South, Smethwick have proved.
In one the biggest Midlands discoveries of its kind, police have revealed they have now found plants worth £3 million inside a Victorian building in West Bromwich.
Once home to an engineering company that began life in 1791, its features are a familiar landmark for motorists on the elevated stretch of the M5 right next door.
Watch the video above to see how the Gothic-style property renamed Haliburton House fits into the modern landscape all around it.
(Image: Google Maps)
What has been uncovered?
West Midlands Police today revealed they had discovered the farm concealed within Haliburton House (not its original name) in Hall Street South, West Bromwich.
Plants were found across all three floors as well as the loft space and even in the clock tower.
West Midlands Police Detective Inspector Ade George, said: “We strongly suspect this drugs factory, given the scale, is linked to serious organised crime.
(Image: WMP)
“It’s a big win for us and its discovery, especially as the crop was nearing harvest, will be a significant dent in the finances of the crime group involved.
“We’ve seized several million pounds worth of drugs plus equipment also costing tens of thousands of pounds.
“A drugs factory of this size, with all the modifications, takes a lot of time and effort; I would suggest it has been in operation for around six months. There is also clear evidence of living quarters within the property."
What is the history of the building?
The site was listed 33 years ago.
It was once home to a local firm which began life as an iron founder in 1791, manufacturing buckles and livery fittings.
(Image: Google Maps)
The site was put up for auction in 2014 and earlier this year the Planning Inspectorate threw out an appeal against Sandwell Council's decision last year to refuse planning permission for it to be turned into flats with office space and storage.
Historic England has the following information about the Victorian building which was listed on March 30, 1987.
It says: "This building is listed under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 as amended for its special architectural or historic interest."
The official citation says: "Offices and stores for engineering works. 1880s. Brick with some dressings of stone and terra cotta. Tile roofs. Gothic style. Three storeys. Seven gables face Hall Street.
"On the ground floor is an arcade of 14 pointed arches, chamfered in three orders.
(Image: Google Maps)
"All contain windows except for the 12th, which contains a door.
"Each of the two central gabled sections is of three bays. The central bays contain paired windows separated by shafts set within a two-storey recess with a cusped round opening under its pointed head.
"Under the second and fifth gables are two bays, but the fifth has three windows on the first floor.
"The left hand gable is of one bay. The two right hand gables have paired windows separated by shafts, the upper ones with pointed heads, within pointed recesses.
"The sixth is of two bays. The seventh is of one bay, its right hand side being cut into by a clock tower. This has paired lancet openings under a pointed stone head with quatrefoil.
"Above are clock faces within stone gables with tracery decoration. Above is a short spire now covered by felt, with timber lucarnes."
(Image: Google Maps)
What next?
The cannabis farm was discovered after a utilities company reported a surge in electricity usage at the historic building.
A Cannabis Disposal Team was not able to clear the site immediately due to an asbestos warning − but after working with a specialist contractor the building was made safe and the drugs removed for destruction.
Detective Inspector Ade George: “No-one has been arrested at this stage but our enquiries into who was behind the factory are underway - and I’d urge anyone with information to get in contact."
Dashcam or cyclecam video of any suspicious activity is also being sought.
West Midlands Police can be reached via Live Chat messaging via the website or by calling 101. Please quote crime reference 20SW/169506P/20.