birminghammail--2020-09-23--2,500 Brummies join fight against Covid by signing up to vaccine study

More than 2,400 people in Birmingham have joined the fight against coronavirus .
Thousands have been busy bravely signing up to take part in vaccine studies as the spread of Covid-19 continues .
Over 2,400 Brummies are actively taking part , proving the selflessness of thousands across the city .
The NHS Covid-19 Vaccine Research Registry is an online service allowing members of the public to register their interest in Covid-19 vaccine studies and be contacted to participate in future clinical trials .
The willingness of people to sign up is crucial in the battle to find a vaccine for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ third highest number of sign-ups at 2,495 , with 250,000 people having signed up across the UK so far .
Leeds is top - with over 5,000 sign-ups , and 2,850 people in Edinburgh have put their names on the list , too .
Science is at the heart of hopes to try and combat the Covid-19 pandemic , the Prime Minister has said .
With the coronavirus now spreading again exponentially , rises in infections and climbing hospital admissions , Boris Johnson has called on the nation to `` take action '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his Downing Street statement , he said there is the `` hope '' of a vaccine , perhaps after a potentially difficult winter , plus a quick and efficient mass testing system .
Mr Johnson described this as `` the dream '' , adding : `` It 's hard , but it 's attainable , and we are working as hard as we can to get there . ''
It comes after Professor Robin Shattock , who is leading Imperial College London 's Covid-19 vaccine effort , told the European Parliament on Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use by the middle of next year .
He said that trials are showing promising results and that human volunteers seem to be `` responding well '' to the vaccine .

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More than 2,400 people in Birmingham have joined the fight against coronavirus.
Thousands have been busy bravely signing up to take part in vaccine studies as the spread of Covid-19 continues.
Over 2,400 Brummies are actively taking part, proving the selflessness of thousands across the city.
The NHS Covid-19 Vaccine Research Registry is an online service allowing members of the public to register their interest in Covid-19 vaccine studies and be contacted to participate in future clinical trials.
The willingness of people to sign up is crucial in the battle to find a vaccine for the deadly virus.
Birmingham has the third highest number of sign-ups at 2,495, with 250,000 people having signed up across the UK so far.
Leeds is top - with over 5,000 sign-ups, and 2,850 people in Edinburgh have put their names on the list, too.
Science is at the heart of hopes to try and combat the Covid-19 pandemic, the Prime Minister has said.
With the coronavirus now spreading again exponentially, rises in infections and climbing hospital admissions, Boris Johnson has called on the nation to "take action" to help combat the virus.
In his Downing Street statement, he said there is the "hope" of a vaccine, perhaps after a potentially difficult winter, plus a quick and efficient mass testing system.
Mr Johnson described this as "the dream", adding: "It's hard, but it's attainable, and we are working as hard as we can to get there."
It comes after Professor Robin Shattock, who is leading Imperial College London's Covid-19 vaccine effort, told the European Parliament on Tuesday that a coronavirus could be approved for use by the middle of next year.
He said that trials are showing promising results and that human volunteers seem to be "responding well" to the vaccine.


birminghammail--2020-09-23--Departed Blues winger Maghoma training with former club Burton

Former Birmingham City winger Jacques Maghoma is reportedly training with former club Burton Albion as he waits on his next career move .
Maghoma , who is 32 , scored 21 goals in 180 appearances for Blues and proved to be a real bargain of a signing having arrived on a free under Gary Rowett - with whom he ’ d worked at the Pirelli Stadium - in 2015 .
Make sure you do n't miss a thing - click here to sign up to our Blues newsletter He , as well as fellow long-time servant Jonathan Grounds , departed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the season after his contract expired and Blues decided to bid farewell .
Maghoma , who came through the ranks at Tottenham and went on to play for Burton and Sheffield Wednesday , could yet be handed an opportunity to remain in the Championship , however .
Newly promoted Wycombe Wanderers and Luton Town have both been linked , but the boss of the latter , Nathan Jones , has since rejected such links .
For now , Maghoma is back in familiar surroundings as he seeks to maintain his fitness in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a new permanent club , according to reports .
Alvaro Gimenez and Kerim Mrabti have sorted themselves out with new clubs , while Jude Bellingham and Wes Harding have both moved on too .
Moha Ramos returned to Real Madrid , while Lee Camp , Grounds , Cheick Keita and Maghoma himself are , at the time of writing , still without a club having left Blues .
Indeed , Aitor Karanka and Blues have worked hard to raise the quality of the squad after trimming the fringes of the inherited group this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ early impact on the wing , while midfielder Mikel San Jose looks to be a real coup , too .
Beyond those additions , Blues have added Scott Hogan and Neil Etheridge and are believed to be interested in bringing Jake Clarke-Salter back to St Andrew ’ s after a successful loan spell last term .

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Former Birmingham City winger Jacques Maghoma is reportedly training with former club Burton Albion as he waits on his next career move.
Maghoma, who is 32, scored 21 goals in 180 appearances for Blues and proved to be a real bargain of a signing having arrived on a free under Gary Rowett - with whom he’d worked at the Pirelli Stadium - in 2015.
Make sure you don't miss a thing - click here to sign up to our Blues newsletter
He, as well as fellow long-time servant Jonathan Grounds, departed St Andrew’s before the end of the season after his contract expired and Blues decided to bid farewell.
Maghoma, who came through the ranks at Tottenham and went on to play for Burton and Sheffield Wednesday, could yet be handed an opportunity to remain in the Championship, however.
Newly promoted Wycombe Wanderers and Luton Town have both been linked, but the boss of the latter, Nathan Jones, has since rejected such links.
For now, Maghoma is back in familiar surroundings as he seeks to maintain his fitness in the hope of fixing himself up with a new permanent club, according to reports.
Alvaro Gimenez and Kerim Mrabti have sorted themselves out with new clubs, while Jude Bellingham and Wes Harding have both moved on too.
(Image: EMPICS Sport)
Moha Ramos returned to Real Madrid, while Lee Camp, Grounds, Cheick Keita and Maghoma himself are, at the time of writing, still without a club having left Blues.
Indeed, Aitor Karanka and Blues have worked hard to raise the quality of the squad after trimming the fringes of the inherited group this summer; Ivan Sanchez has made an early impact on the wing, while midfielder Mikel San Jose looks to be a real coup, too.
Beyond those additions, Blues have added Scott Hogan and Neil Etheridge and are believed to be interested in bringing Jake Clarke-Salter back to St Andrew’s after a successful loan spell last term.


birminghammail--2020-09-23--Villa linked with ambitious move for Ross Barkley

Aston Villa are reportedly considering making a loan offer to Chelsea for midfielder Ross Barkley .
The signing of Germany international Kai Havertz from Bayer Leverkusen has seen Barkley pushed down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge and he could become available before the end of the window .
Barkley , 26 , has been a substitute in Chelsea 's opening two Premier League games against Brighton and Liverpool , but he started and scored in their 6-0 Carabao Cup victory over Barnsley on Wednesday night .
His game-time is set to become increasingly limited though and , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taking him on loan .
The same report suggest Barkley 's Chelsea teammate Ruben Loftus-Cheek - who is also struggling for minutes at Stamford Bridge - could be another option for Dean Smith .
Smith is keen to bolster his midfield options having already recruited goalkeeper Emi Martinez , right-back Matty Cash , winger Bertrand Traore and striker Ollie Watkins .
Villa have a good relationship with Chelsea chiefs with assistant coach John Terry a popular figure behind the scenes in west London .
Villa signed Danny Drinkwater from Chelsea in January but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ League rules dictate that only one player can move on loan between clubs , so it would have to be Barkley or Loftus-Cheek , not both .

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Aston Villa are reportedly considering making a loan offer to Chelsea for midfielder Ross Barkley.
The signing of Germany international Kai Havertz from Bayer Leverkusen has seen Barkley pushed down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge and he could become available before the end of the window.
Barkley, 26, has been a substitute in Chelsea's opening two Premier League games against Brighton and Liverpool, but he started and scored in their 6-0 Carabao Cup victory over Barnsley on Wednesday night.
His game-time is set to become increasingly limited though and, according to The Telegraph, Villa are interested in taking him on loan.
The same report suggest Barkley's Chelsea teammate Ruben Loftus-Cheek - who is also struggling for minutes at Stamford Bridge - could be another option for Dean Smith.
Smith is keen to bolster his midfield options having already recruited goalkeeper Emi Martinez, right-back Matty Cash, winger Bertrand Traore and striker Ollie Watkins.
Villa have a good relationship with Chelsea chiefs with assistant coach John Terry a popular figure behind the scenes in west London.
Villa signed Danny Drinkwater from Chelsea in January but that loan move was unsuccessful. Premier League rules dictate that only one player can move on loan between clubs, so it would have to be Barkley or Loftus-Cheek, not both.


birminghammail--2020-09-23--Aberdeen branded 'nuts' after rejected Aston Villa transfer bid

Aberdeen have come under fire after former Aston Villa target Scott McKenna finally completed a move to England .
The Scotland international was regularly linked with a move to Villa Park over the last two years .
Villa had a £7million bid for the 23-year-old rejected when Steve Bruce was in charge and there were rumours last January Dean Smith was also an admirer of the centre-back .
Smith moved onto other targets before steering Villa to promotion but Aberdeen 's decision to turn down that offer in the summer of 2018 is still fuelling debate .
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Google Play Store and App Store McKenna joined Championship side Nottingham Forest for just £3million on Wednesday -and Aberdeen legend John McMaster believes his former club will be kicking themselves .
McMaster @ @ @ @ @ @ @ missed the boat with McKenna when they kicked two offers from Villa into touch .
“ But two years is a long time in football and by Scott ’ s standards he had a bad season last year .
“ It was night and day when you look at his performances from the season before .
He was outstanding during that campaign and I recommended him to Swansea where I was working as their Scottish scout .
“ Even at that time when the figures for him being bandied about were five and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was too expensive and he just wasn ’ t worth that kind of money .
“ When Aberdeen were offered the £7million from Villa they should have grabbed it .
At the time I remember thinking it was nuts to knock it back.
” Aberdeen were in no mood to cash in on McKenna two years ago with Villa having made their move late in the summer window .
He put in a transfer request last year , which was refused by the Dons , but having remained a key part of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his exit this time around .

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Aberdeen have come under fire after former Aston Villa target Scott McKenna finally completed a move to England.
The Scotland international was regularly linked with a move to Villa Park over the last two years.
Villa had a £7million bid for the 23-year-old rejected when Steve Bruce was in charge and there were rumours last January Dean Smith was also an admirer of the centre-back.
Smith moved onto other targets before steering Villa to promotion but Aberdeen's decision to turn down that offer in the summer of 2018 is still fuelling debate.
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McKenna joined Championship side Nottingham Forest for just £3million on Wednesday -and Aberdeen legend John McMaster believes his former club will be kicking themselves.
McMaster told the Daily Record: “Aberdeen missed the boat with McKenna when they kicked two offers from Villa into touch.
“But two years is a long time in football and by Scott’s standards he had a bad season last year.
“It was night and day when you look at his performances from the season before. He was outstanding during that campaign and I recommended him to Swansea where I was working as their Scottish scout.
“Even at that time when the figures for him being bandied about were five and six million pounds, I felt that was too expensive and he just wasn’t worth that kind of money.
“When Aberdeen were offered the £7million from Villa they should have grabbed it. At the time I remember thinking it was nuts to knock it back.”
Aberdeen were in no mood to cash in on McKenna two years ago with Villa having made their move late in the summer window.
He put in a transfer request last year, which was refused by the Dons, but having remained a key part of the first-team picture at Pittodrie was finally granted his exit this time around.


birminghammail--2020-09-23--Keeley Hawes met real-life cop for role in ITV 'body in suitcase' drama Honour

Keeley Hawes has revealed how she met the real-life police chief at the heart of ITV 's new drama Honour .
The actress plays Detective Chief Inspector Caroline Goode in the two-parter about the 'honour killing ' of Banaz Mahmod .
And she says she met DCI Goode while researching the role .
The story centres on the search for missing 20-year-old Banaz , who had left an arranged marriage and found a new partner .
She disappeared in London in 2006 and her body was found three months later , buried in a suitcase in a garden in Birmingham @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including her father and uncle , were convicted of her murder and another cousin was jailed for helping to dispose of the body .
Hawes , 44 , said : `` With something like this - and especially with this - we were all so mindful that we were dealing with real people .
`` Banaz , Caroline , their families , everybody involved , the team , so there is that element of course , and with this , even more so .
Much more so , probably , than anything I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the responsibility is huge .
It 's huge .
I felt it every day .
I 've felt it every day since .
I really have . ''
Hawes added : `` I have n't taken it lightly .
You want to do the right thing by everyone involved because it 's about those two women .
`` And you want to ( give ) Banaz the utmost respect , you know ?
And also do the right thing by Caroline . ''
Find latest crime statistics for your area simply by putting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She met with DCI Goode while researching the role , and asked : `` 'Was it as emotional ?
This is a drama - we need to find the emotion , we need to show that .
But was that the case ? '
`` And she said , 'Yes .
Yes , of course .
You ca n't be in that environment , you ca n't see those things and hear those things ' .
`` And so I felt very lucky to be able to talk to her about that .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ gave me liberty to explore that a little bit , without making it feel like it was just for the purposes of the drama .
You know ?
`` That really was how they felt , and how she felt , and she was highly , highly emotional throughout . ''
• Honour will be screened on Monday September 28 and Tuesday September 29 at 9pm on ITV .

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Keeley Hawes has revealed how she met the real-life police chief at the heart of ITV's new drama Honour.
The actress plays Detective Chief Inspector Caroline Goode in the two-parter about the 'honour killing' of Banaz Mahmod.
And she says she met DCI Goode while researching the role.
The story centres on the search for missing 20-year-old Banaz, who had left an arranged marriage and found a new partner.
She disappeared in London in 2006 and her body was found three months later, buried in a suitcase in a garden in Birmingham.
(Image: PA/PA Wire)
Five members of her family, including her father and uncle, were convicted of her murder and another cousin was jailed for helping to dispose of the body.
Hawes, 44, said: "With something like this - and especially with this - we were all so mindful that we were dealing with real people.
"Banaz, Caroline, their families, everybody involved, the team, so there is that element of course, and with this, even more so. Much more so, probably, than anything I've ever worked on.
"But the responsibility is huge. It's huge. I felt it every day. I've felt it every day since. I really have."
Hawes added: "I haven't taken it lightly. You want to do the right thing by everyone involved because it's about those two women.
"And you want to (give) Banaz the utmost respect, you know? And also do the right thing by Caroline."
Find latest crime statistics for your area simply by putting your postcode into the box below:
She met with DCI Goode while researching the role, and asked: "'Was it as emotional? This is a drama - we need to find the emotion, we need to show that. But was that the case?'
"And she said, 'Yes. Yes, of course. You can't be in that environment, you can't see those things and hear those things'.
"And so I felt very lucky to be able to talk to her about that. And it gave me licence, and gave me liberty to explore that a little bit, without making it feel like it was just for the purposes of the drama. You know?
"That really was how they felt, and how she felt, and she was highly, highly emotional throughout."


birminghammail--2020-09-23--Driver arrested following two car collision in Erdington

A driver was arrested on suspicion of drink driving following a `` particularly nasty '' two car collision on the @ @ @ @ @ The collision took place on Wednesday afternoon ( September 23 ) .
Police , ambulance @ @ @ @ @ to the scene to deal with the incident .
Fortunately no-one was hurt in the @ @ @ @ @ the blue car involved in the collision was arrested at the scene after failing a @ @ @ @ @ took to Twitter where they tweeted pictures of the collision .
One picture shows a @ @ @ @ @ front damage after smashing into a wall .
The red vehicle also had extensive front @ @ @ @ @ : `` These two vehicles were involved in a particularly nasty RTC on Tyburn Road @ @ @ @ @ blue vehicle was arrested after failing a roadside drink drive test .
Fortunately , no-one @ @ @ @ @ @ WestMidsFire and @ OFFICIALWMAS for attending the scene and assisting.
``

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A driver was arrested on suspicion of drink driving following a "particularly nasty" two car collision on the Tyburn Road in Erdington.
The collision took place on Wednesday afternoon (September 23).
Police, ambulance and fire crews were called to the scene to deal with the incident. Fortunately no-one was hurt in the collision.
(Image: West Midlands Police)
The driver of the blue car involved in the collision was arrested at the scene after failing a breath test.
Erdington Police took to Twitter where they tweeted pictures of the collision.
One picture shows a blue estate vehicle with extensive front damage after smashing into a wall. The red vehicle also had extensive front damage.
Erdington Police posted: "These two vehicles were involved in a particularly nasty RTC on Tyburn Road. The driver of the blue vehicle was arrested after failing a roadside drink drive test. Fortunately, no-one was injured. Thanks to @WestMidsFire and @OFFICIALWMAS for attending the scene and assisting. "


birminghammail--2020-09-23--Bride-to-be wins stunning £550k home in £2 raffle

A bride-to-be has won a stunning £550,000 country home and a £50k Range Rover - after entering a £2 raffle .
Shanique Davis , from Wolverhampton , scooped the amazing prize - which also includes a hot tube - after spending just £36 on 18 tickets .
The 23-year-old support worker is now the proud owner of the oldest house in Sedgley , located on Catholic Lane .
It is the perfect wedding present for Shanique and fiance Mark , 25 .
The couple , who have been together for eight years , are due to tie the knot next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ owners Lydia and Paul Browning had tried to sell the property numerous times .
However , when it came to finding their new home , the couple were always snubbed by cash buyers .
So in a bid to eliminate the chain in the buying and selling process , the pair decided to raffle off their lovely home through Winyourdream .
The draw was made this afternoon , with two charities also benefitting from the money raised .
Director of Winyourdream competitions , Mike Chatha , said : '' We had two charities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who is head of fund raising for Ronald McDonald House Charities , who accepted the donation of £10,000 from Winyourdream - which she said will provide accommodation for the families of seriously ill children for up to 400 nights .
`` Our second charity was Promise Dreams , where Steve Bull received a cheque on their behalf for £2,500 .
Promise Dreams are our newest charity partner and they joined the charity competition just before the close .
`` We had Lydia Browning - the owner of the house - present and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ present .
The draw was performed with random selection , as per our previous two successful house draws .
`` The random number was generated by Steve Bull and it matched Shanique Davis from Wolverhampton .
So we then called Shanique , who answered the phone and she was very surprised .
`` She told us she had bought 18 tickets about a month ago .
when I asked if she currently had a home she said she was renting a flat , was engaged and they were getting married in Jamaica next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been together for eight years and it was the perfect wedding present . ''
Mike added : `` I am totally overwhelmed by the love and support for this competition .
So many people have sent Shanique best wishes and said what an amazing difference it will make to her newly married life .
`` She is still taking in the news but she is over the moon .
The first person she wanted to call was her mum .
`` I said what kind of car have you got and she said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has a small car but her fiancé Mark would love the Range Rover . ''

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A bride-to-be has won a stunning £550,000 country home and a £50k Range Rover - after entering a £2 raffle.
Shanique Davis, from Wolverhampton, scooped the amazing prize - which also includes a hot tube - after spending just £36 on 18 tickets.
(Image: Birmingham Mail)
The 23-year-old support worker is now the proud owner of the oldest house in Sedgley, located on Catholic Lane.
It is the perfect wedding present for Shanique and fiance Mark, 25. The couple, who have been together for eight years, are due to tie the knot next year in the Jamaican sunshine.
Previous owners Lydia and Paul Browning had tried to sell the property numerous times.
However, when it came to finding their new home, the couple were always snubbed by cash buyers.
So in a bid to eliminate the chain in the buying and selling process, the pair decided to raffle off their lovely home through Winyourdream.
The draw was made this afternoon, with two charities also benefitting from the money raised.
Director of Winyourdream competitions, Mike Chatha, said:"We had two charities present.
"We had Vanessa Simmons, who is head of fund raising for Ronald McDonald House Charities, who accepted the donation of £10,000 from Winyourdream - which she said will provide accommodation for the families of seriously ill children for up to 400 nights.
"Our second charity was Promise Dreams, where Steve Bull received a cheque on their behalf for £2,500. Promise Dreams are our newest charity partner and they joined the charity competition just before the close.
"We had Lydia Browning - the owner of the house - present and our solicitor from Clarkes Solicitors was also present. The draw was performed with random selection, as per our previous two successful house draws.
"The random number was generated by Steve Bull and it matched Shanique Davis from Wolverhampton. So we then called Shanique, who answered the phone and she was very surprised.
"She told us she had bought 18 tickets about a month ago. when I asked if she currently had a home she said she was renting a flat, was engaged and they were getting married in Jamaica next year.
"She said they had been together for eight years and it was the perfect wedding present."
Mike added: "I am totally overwhelmed by the love and support for this competition. So many people have sent Shanique best wishes and said what an amazing difference it will make to her newly married life.
"She is still taking in the news but she is over the moon. The first person she wanted to call was her mum.
"I said what kind of car have you got and she said she was a very small person and has a small car but her fiancé Mark would love the Range Rover."


birminghammail--2020-09-23--Roman Kemp dumped by girlfriend who thought he was having affair

Roman Kemp has revealed that an ex girlfriend dumped him because she thought he was having an affair with his co-host Vick Hope .
The Capital DJ was accused of cheating on his former flame when she saw pictures of him appearing to be zipping up Vick 's dress at an awards ceremony .
The radio presenter said because his ex-girlfriend was Greek and had no idea he was famous , she assumed he was cheating on her and promptly ended their relationship .
The Mirror reports how the former I ’ m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his favourite dating anecdotes to tell because he thinks it 's `` hilarious '' that anyone would think he and Vick were an item .
Roman , aged 27 , is currently single and recently revealed he has joined the dating app Bumble in a bid to find love .
He said he was dumped by his Greek flame when she saw a photograph of him doing up the zip of fellow Capital presenter Vick 's dress .
The pair had been together on the red carpet of the MTV EMA awards when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a clasp became undone .
“ I had a Greek girlfriend ; she didn ’ t read the papers or really know what I did for a living .
It was a nightmare .
We had to go to the MTV EMAs Vick and I , and on the red carpet , Vick ’ s dress completely fell open , '' he said .
“ Obviously , I ’ ve seen it , so I ’ ve run over and helped her out , done up the back again .
So that ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up in the newspaper were , just me helping Vick do her dress up again .
“ So , she saw this photo , flipped out and then didn ’ t really like me again and basically broke up with me because she thought I was having an affair with Vick.
” Despite their close bond , Roman insisted that there has never been a spark between himself and Vick because he simply sees her as a sister and ‘ doesn ’ t think of her in that way ’ .
Roman became @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and ex-flame Anne-Sophie Flury decided to call in quits on their three-year romance .
The handsome telly star has since been linked to Lottie Moss and has revealed that he ’ s joined Bumble in a bid to find love again .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Susan Knox, Jane Tyler)

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Roman Kemp has revealed that an ex girlfriend dumped him because she thought he was having an affair with his co-host Vick Hope.
The Capital DJ was accused of cheating on his former flame when she saw pictures of him appearing to be zipping up Vick's dress at an awards ceremony.
The radio presenter said because his ex-girlfriend was Greek and had no idea he was famous, she assumed he was cheating on her and promptly ended their relationship.
(Image: Daily Record)
The Mirror reports how the former I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here! finalist reveals it is one of his favourite dating anecdotes to tell because he thinks it's "hilarious" that anyone would think he and Vick were an item.
Roman, aged 27, is currently single and recently revealed he has joined the dating app Bumble in a bid to find love.
He said he was dumped by his Greek flame when she saw a photograph of him doing up the zip of fellow Capital presenter Vick's dress. The pair had been together on the red carpet of the MTV EMA awards when Vick's dress burst completely open after a clasp became undone.
“I had a Greek girlfriend; she didn’t read the papers or really know what I did for a living. It was a nightmare. We had to go to the MTV EMAs Vick and I, and on the red carpet, Vick’s dress completely fell open," he said.
“Obviously, I’ve seen it, so I’ve run over and helped her out, done up the back again. So that’s what all the photos that ended up in the newspaper were, just me helping Vick do her dress up again.
“So, she saw this photo, flipped out and then didn’t really like me again and basically broke up with me because she thought I was having an affair with Vick.”
Despite their close bond, Roman insisted that there has never been a spark between himself and Vick because he simply sees her as a sister and ‘doesn’t think of her in that way’.
Roman became single again in recent months after he and ex-flame Anne-Sophie Flury decided to call in quits on their three-year romance.
The handsome telly star has since been linked to Lottie Moss and has revealed that he’s joined Bumble in a bid to find love again.


birminghammail--2020-09-23--Leeds told they 'missed a trick' with Villa goalkeeper Martinez

Emiliano Martinez had a debut to remember as he helped Aston Villa get their Premier League campaign off to the perfect start .
Dean Smith swooped for the goalkeeper in a £20million deal from Arsenal this summer with last season 's number one Tom Heaton still recovering from a knee injury .
Martinez was drafted straight into the starting XI for Monday 's opener against Sheffield United and saved a penalty as Villa recorded a 1-0 win .
It was a memorable start to the Argentine 's Villa career and he took to social media after the match to mark @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Villa bulletin , we 'll be bringing you the latest breaking news , transfer features and comment pieces , as well as the key talking points for fans .
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Google Play Store and App Store '' Amazing debut at Villa Park , '' he said .
`` Thank you for making me feel so welcome @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ended up at Villa if one pundit had his way .
Former Australia international Mark Schwarzer , who made over 500 appearances in the top-flight , believes Leeds United made a mistake by not signing the 28-year-old .
Leeds made stopper Illan Meslier 's stay at Elland Road permanent after his spell on loan from FC Lorient last season and Schwarzer believes Marcelo Bielsa 's side would have been better off fighting Villa for Martinez after being promoted .
“ The goalkeeper [ Meslier ] doesn ’ t look good enough for me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Chelsea goalkeeper told Optus Sport .
“ He looks very very average .
He conceded a couple of goals against Fulham .
“ He ’ s a French U21 international , he played the back end of last season [ and ] they made his move permanent .
I think that is maybe where Leeds are going to come unstuck .
“ I think Leeds United have missed a massive trick in not being able to sign Martinez .
I didn ’ t see anything in the press in terms of more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they made the decision relatively early they were going to go with their current crop of keepers.
” Martinez signed a four-year contract at Villa after spending a decade at Arsenal .

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Emiliano Martinez had a debut to remember as he helped Aston Villa get their Premier League campaign off to the perfect start.
Dean Smith swooped for the goalkeeper in a £20million deal from Arsenal this summer with last season's number one Tom Heaton still recovering from a knee injury.
Martinez was drafted straight into the starting XI for Monday's opener against Sheffield United and saved a penalty as Villa recorded a 1-0 win.
It was a memorable start to the Argentine's Villa career and he took to social media after the match to mark the occasion.
Aston Villa daily newsletter. Free. To your inbox In our daily Aston Villa bulletin, we'll be bringing you the latest breaking news, transfer features and comment pieces, as well as the key talking points for fans. How do you sign up? It's easy and only takes seconds. Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up. And that's it, you're all set. You can also sign up here. If you decide later that you no longer wish to receive the emails, simply follow the unsubscribe link in one of the newsletters - but we don't think you'll want to. And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest updates by following us on social media here Facebook and Twitter. We also have a free app which you can download. It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region. Google Play Store and App Store
"Amazing debut at Villa Park," he said. "Thank you for making me feel so welcome."
But Martinez would never have ended up at Villa if one pundit had his way.
Former Australia international Mark Schwarzer, who made over 500 appearances in the top-flight, believes Leeds United made a mistake by not signing the 28-year-old.
Leeds made stopper Illan Meslier's stay at Elland Road permanent after his spell on loan from FC Lorient last season and Schwarzer believes Marcelo Bielsa's side would have been better off fighting Villa for Martinez after being promoted.
“The goalkeeper [Meslier] doesn’t look good enough for me,” the former Middlesbrough, Fulham and Chelsea goalkeeper told Optus Sport. “He looks very very average. He conceded a couple of goals against Fulham.
“He’s a French U21 international, he played the back end of last season [and] they made his move permanent. I think that is maybe where Leeds are going to come unstuck.
“I think Leeds United have missed a massive trick in not being able to sign Martinez. I didn’t see anything in the press in terms of more seriousness about it, but I think they made the decision relatively early they were going to go with their current crop of keepers.”
Martinez signed a four-year contract at Villa after spending a decade at Arsenal.


birminghammail--2020-09-23--Club tease fans with message amid 'imminent' Villa transfer

Fenerbahce have teased supporters over a transfer with reports suggesting Aston Villa striker Mbwana Samatta is on his way to @ @ @ @ @ website A Spor , via Sport Witness , are claiming Fenerbahce agreed loan terms for @ @ @ @ @ yesterday and that the Tanzania international is set to link up with his new club @ @ @ @ @ have this evening tweeted a video which has prompted fans to put two and two @ @ @ @ @ Samatta .
The striker , 27 , scored once in 14 Premier League matches following @ @ @ @ @ Belgian club Genk in the January transfer window .
Villa head coach Dean Smith recruited @ @ @ @ @ £28million from former club Brentford earlier this month and added winger Bertrand Traore to his @ @ @ @ @ could still sign another attacking player before the end of the window , making Samatta @ @ @ @ @ all goes to plan , Samatta 's move to Fenerbahce could be announced before the @ @ @ @ @

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Fenerbahce have teased supporters over a transfer with reports suggesting Aston Villa striker Mbwana Samatta is on his way to the Turkish club.
Turkish website A Spor, via Sport Witness, are claiming Fenerbahce agreed loan terms for the imminent transfer of Samatta yesterday and that the Tanzania international is set to link up with his new club very shortly.
And Fenerbahce have this evening tweeted a video which has prompted fans to put two and two together and end up with Samatta.
The striker, 27, scored once in 14 Premier League matches following his transfer to Villa from Belgian club Genk in the January transfer window.
Villa head coach Dean Smith recruited Ollie Watkins for a club-record £28million from former club Brentford earlier this month and added winger Bertrand Traore to his squad last week.
Villa could still sign another attacking player before the end of the window, making Samatta surplus to requirements.
If all goes to plan, Samatta's move to Fenerbahce could be announced before the end of the week.


birminghammail--2020-09-23--Lotto results and draw LIVE: Winning numbers for Wednesday, September 23

If you have been wondering how to grab a little spare cash then why not try your hand at the @ @ @ @ @ runs the Lotto every Wednesday and there are massive chances to win a life-changing amount @ @ @ @ @ evening 's jackpot could keep you comfortable for the rest of your life with the @ @ @ @ @ it is a double rollover .
In order to play , all you have to @ @ @ @ @ give you the chance to win millons .
Simple , right ?
Even if you @ @ @ @ @ you could win £30 which could buy you a nice meal out with your family @ @ @ @ @ you have until 7.30pm to buy a ticket and the draw will take place at @ @ @ @ @ to buy a ticket , you can do so here .
We are covering this @ @ @ @ @ eye on our updates below and we 'll let you know the results when they @ @

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Chris  Harper)

If you have been wondering how to grab a little spare cash then why not try your hand at the lottery?
The National Lottery runs the Lotto every Wednesday and there are massive chances to win a life-changing amount of money.
And this evening's jackpot could keep you comfortable for the rest of your life with the chance to win £8.9m as it is a double rollover.
In order to play, all you have to do is pay £2 to give you the chance to win millons. Simple, right?
Even if you only match three numbers, you could win £30 which could buy you a nice meal out with your family.
But be quick, you have until 7.30pm to buy a ticket and the draw will take place at 8pm. If you want to buy a ticket, you can do so here.
We are covering this event live so keep an eye on our updates below and we'll let you know the results when they happen.


birminghammail--2020-09-23--Care home lifts lid on Covid testing ‘chaos’

A care home has hit out over the `` chaos '' around Covid-19 testing for staff .
Bentley House Care Centre in Twenty One Oaks , Atherstone , says it is experiencing a nightmare with false positives leaving staff unavailable to work .
It has also hit out at delays in getting test results .
Owner Charlotte Mckenna said : “ We are very frustrated with the Covid staff testing .
`` Our real concern is the time the tests are taking to come back , and now the validity of them .
It ’ s just a circus to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to think that care homes are having weekly tests and this may well be .
`` But when the results are taking so long to come back , if there is a positive , that person is still working whilst waiting , putting the vulnerable at risk .
`` The delay in getting the results could have untold repercussions , especially for the homes that are not now using PPE and unfortunately , they do exist .
`` False results will also cause staffing issues , especially if other homes are not using @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We are of the opinion that through all of this we have been left to fend for ourselves , making our own decisions throughout , whether they be right or wrong .
`` Going forward we will continue to do what we think is best because that has worked for us so far . ''
Ms Mckenna added : “ We have two nursing homes , one in Atherstone and one in Stratford upon Avon .
“ In our Atherstone home , tests were collected on the Friday .
Last Tuesday evening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but on Wednesday evening we got a random positive .
“ This person went to the Peel Hospital and had a re-test on Thursday and her result came back as in fact a negative on Saturday .
Public Health advised her that it was odd that she was the only positive amongst 60 plus staff .
“ As you can imagine , thinking we have a positive in the home caused chaos - thank goodness we are continuing and have continued with full PPE .
“ We then sent off another full set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 5 , 6 days for the results .
Tests eventually came back all negative this week .
It caused a lot of unnecessary worry for these people 's family and friends .
`` We insisted they were re-tested for ours and their peace of mind , and because they were the only ones in each building which would be unusual but they and their families had to self isolate until the negative results came back .
Families were tested too and they were all negative . ''
Similarly in Stratford one person @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tested but just days later returned a negative .
In response , a Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said : “ There continues to be a significant demand for tests , including from those without symptoms , so we are expanding capacity rapidly as well as bringing in new technology to process tests faster and will continue to work around the clock to process results as soon as possible .
“ Every day we make sure care homes across the country receive 100,000 test kits with the vast majority reporting no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ providing every care home with free PPE until the end of March , ring-fencing £1.1billion to prevent infections and making a further £3.7bn available to councils to address pressures caused by the pandemic – including in adult social care . ''

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A care home has hit out over the "chaos" around Covid-19 testing for staff.
Bentley House Care Centre in Twenty One Oaks, Atherstone, says it is experiencing a nightmare with false positives leaving staff unavailable to work.
It has also hit out at delays in getting test results.
Owner Charlotte Mckenna said: “We are very frustrated with the Covid staff testing.
"Our real concern is the time the tests are taking to come back, and now the validity of them. It’s just a circus to be honest.
“The Government likes to think that care homes are having weekly tests and this may well be.
"But when the results are taking so long to come back, if there is a positive, that person is still working whilst waiting, putting the vulnerable at risk.
"The delay in getting the results could have untold repercussions, especially for the homes that are not now using PPE and unfortunately, they do exist.
"False results will also cause staffing issues, especially if other homes are not using agency staff at all like ourselves.
"We are of the opinion that through all of this we have been left to fend for ourselves, making our own decisions throughout, whether they be right or wrong.
"Going forward we will continue to do what we think is best because that has worked for us so far."
Ms Mckenna added: “We have two nursing homes, one in Atherstone and one in Stratford upon Avon.
“In our Atherstone home, tests were collected on the Friday. Last Tuesday evening we had a whole batch of negatives but on Wednesday evening we got a random positive.
“This person went to the Peel Hospital and had a re-test on Thursday and her result came back as in fact a negative on Saturday. Public Health advised her that it was odd that she was the only positive amongst 60 plus staff.
“As you can imagine, thinking we have a positive in the home caused chaos - thank goodness we are continuing and have continued with full PPE.
“We then sent off another full set of staff tests and waited another 4, 5, 6 days for the results. Tests eventually came back all negative this week. It caused a lot of unnecessary worry for these people's family and friends.
"We insisted they were re-tested for ours and their peace of mind, and because they were the only ones in each building which would be unusual but they and their families had to self isolate until the negative results came back. Families were tested too and they were all negative."
Similarly in Stratford one person returned a positive four days after being tested but just days later returned a negative.
In response, a Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “There continues to be a significant demand for tests, including from those without symptoms, so we are expanding capacity rapidly as well as bringing in new technology to process tests faster and will continue to work around the clock to process results as soon as possible.
“Every day we make sure care homes across the country receive 100,000 test kits with the vast majority reporting no problems.
“Alongside this we are providing every care home with free PPE until the end of March, ring-fencing £1.1billion to prevent infections and making a further £3.7bn available to councils to address pressures caused by the pandemic – including in adult social care."


birminghammail--2020-09-23--Aston Villa 'keen' on Real Mallorca striker Ante Budimir

Aston Villa are keen on a move for Real Mallorca striker Ante Budimir , according to reports in Spain .
Respected outlet Marca state Villa have asked the Spanish side about Budimir 's availability in the final weeks of the transfer window .
Villa want to add another forward to Dean Smith 's squad before October 's deadline to provide competition for club-record arrival Ollie Watkins .
Budimir , 29 , had been heavily linked with Villarreal but they are said to have cooled their interest , opening the door for a potential switch to the Premier League .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'll be bringing you the latest breaking news , transfer features and comment pieces , as well as the key talking points for fans .
How do you sign up ?
It 's easy and only takes seconds .
Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up .
And that 's it , you 're all set .
You can also sign up here .
If you decide later that you no longer wish to receive the emails , simply follow the unsubscribe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but we do n't think you 'll want to .
And what 's more , it 's absolutely free !
You can also get all the latest updates by following us on social media here Facebook and Twitter .
We also have a free app which you can download .
It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region .
Google Play Store and App Store Mallorca are reportedly willing to let him go for £13.5million after enquiries from Villa and Sheffield United .
Budimir managed 13 goals as Mallorca @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and knows playing in the second tier could scupper his chances of making his debut for Croatia .
He was left out of the squad for Mallorca 's goalless draw against Espanyol on Sunday .
Budimir was given his breakthrough in senior football by NK Inter Zapresic in Croatia before earning a move to St Pauli in Germany .
He went on to play for Sampdoria and Crotone in Italy before signing for Mallorca - initially on loan - two years ago , where he has scored 18 times in 53 league outings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a new four-year contract this week while Mbwana Samatta continues to be linked with a move to Turkish side Fenerbahce .

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Aston Villa are keen on a move for Real Mallorca striker Ante Budimir, according to reports in Spain.
Respected outlet Marca state Villa have asked the Spanish side about Budimir's availability in the final weeks of the transfer window.
Villa want to add another forward to Dean Smith's squad before October's deadline to provide competition for club-record arrival Ollie Watkins.
Budimir, 29, had been heavily linked with Villarreal but they are said to have cooled their interest, opening the door for a potential switch to the Premier League.
Aston Villa daily newsletter. Free. To your inbox In our daily Aston Villa bulletin, we'll be bringing you the latest breaking news, transfer features and comment pieces, as well as the key talking points for fans. How do you sign up? It's easy and only takes seconds. Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up. And that's it, you're all set. You can also sign up here. If you decide later that you no longer wish to receive the emails, simply follow the unsubscribe link in one of the newsletters - but we don't think you'll want to. And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest updates by following us on social media here Facebook and Twitter. We also have a free app which you can download. It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region. Google Play Store and App Store
Mallorca are reportedly willing to let him go for £13.5million after enquiries from Villa and Sheffield United.
Budimir managed 13 goals as Mallorca were relegated from La Liga last season and knows playing in the second tier could scupper his chances of making his debut for Croatia.
He was left out of the squad for Mallorca's goalless draw against Espanyol on Sunday.
Budimir was given his breakthrough in senior football by NK Inter Zapresic in Croatia before earning a move to St Pauli in Germany.
He went on to play for Sampdoria and Crotone in Italy before signing for Mallorca - initially on loan - two years ago, where he has scored 18 times in 53 league outings.
Villa tied down forward Keinan Davis to a new four-year contract this week while Mbwana Samatta continues to be linked with a move to Turkish side Fenerbahce.


birminghammail--2020-09-23--New American sweet shop comes to Tamworth

Shoppers with a sweet tooth are in for a treat with the launch of a new American sweet shop in Tamworth .
Kandy Kraze has opened in Bolebridge Mews and the store , run by husband and wife Laura and Gaz Batchelor , is already proving to be a big hit .
Laura said : “ Kandy Kraze started in July 2020 as a crazy idea on a Facebook page with just over 20 different products .
It became apparent after just a few weeks that Facebook wasn ’ t all we needed as we now had over 100 different @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a website now stocking over 200 different lines but this still wasn ’ t enough ; we wanted to bring a taste of America to Tamworth , something different for people to look at and try , bringing people from different towns and cities to our town .
“ After living in Tamworth all our lives we decided to put everything we had into it and take the gamble .
‘ Wow ’ is all we can say .
We are now stocking over 350 different lines from sweets , cakes , chocolates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much more , shipping all over the UK and Ireland.
” And it has been a roaring success thus far .
Laura added : “ Honestly the support we have had from the local community is amazing .
`` We could not in a million years imagine bringing this much excitement and enjoyment to the town and its people .
`` What a joy it is for us to see the happy faces and the wonderful comments passed from the town ’ s people .
“ People have travelled from all over to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amazing .
`` We didn ’ t think it would be this popular at all .
We thought it would just be a one time wonder that only lasted a couple of weeks if we are honest but it ’ s just got bigger and bigger .
”

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Shoppers with a sweet tooth are in for a treat with the launch of a new American sweet shop in Tamworth.
Kandy Kraze has opened in Bolebridge Mews and the store, run by husband and wife Laura and Gaz Batchelor, is already proving to be a big hit.
Laura said: “Kandy Kraze started in July 2020 as a crazy idea on a Facebook page with just over 20 different products. It became apparent after just a few weeks that Facebook wasn’t all we needed as we now had over 100 different products.
“We decided to build a website now stocking over 200 different lines but this still wasn’t enough; we wanted to bring a taste of America to Tamworth, something different for people to look at and try, bringing people from different towns and cities to our town.
“After living in Tamworth all our lives we decided to put everything we had into it and take the gamble.
‘Wow’ is all we can say. We are now stocking over 350 different lines from sweets, cakes, chocolates, cereals, sodas and much, much more, shipping all over the UK and Ireland.”
And it has been a roaring success thus far.
Laura added: “Honestly the support we have had from the local community is amazing.
"We could not in a million years imagine bringing this much excitement and enjoyment to the town and its people.
"What a joy it is for us to see the happy faces and the wonderful comments passed from the town’s people.
“People have travelled from all over to visit us, it’s been amazing.
"We didn’t think it would be this popular at all. We thought it would just be a one time wonder that only lasted a couple of weeks if we are honest but it’s just got bigger and bigger.”


birminghammail--2020-09-23--Police hunt two men after teen knifed at Willenhall skate park

Police are hunting two men after a teenager was knifed in a Willenhall park .
The 19-year-old was leaving a @ @ @ @ @ when he attacked by thugs .
The victim remains in hospital in a serious but @ @ @ @ @ have yet been made but the force say CCTV is being reviewed as investigations continue @ @ @ @ @ Midlands Police said : `` We are investigating reports of a stabbing on Pinson Road @ @ @ @ @ ( September 22 ) .
`` We believe a 19-year-old was leaving a skate park @ @ @ @ @ two men before being stabbed .
`` The teenager remains in hospital in a serious @ @ @ @ @ CCTV is being reviewed as investigations continue and we urge anyone with information to contact @ @ @ @ @ 101 . ''
Crimestoppers can be called anonymously on 0800 555 111 .
Please quote @ @ @ @ @

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Jordan Coussins, Charlotte Regen)

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Police are hunting two men after a teenager was knifed in a Willenhall park.
The 19-year-old was leaving a skate park on Pinson Road when he attacked by thugs.
The victim remains in hospital in a serious but stable condition.
No arrests have yet been made but the force say CCTV is being reviewed as investigations continue.
A spokeswoman for West Midlands Police said: "We are investigating reports of a stabbing on Pinson Road, Willenhall at 6.30pm yesterday (September 22).
"We believe a 19-year-old was leaving a skate park when he was approached by two men before being stabbed.
"The teenager remains in hospital in a serious by stable condition.
"CCTV is being reviewed as investigations continue and we urge anyone with information to contact us via live chat or 101."
Crimestoppers can be called anonymously on 0800 555 111. Please quote crime reference number 20WS/229561C/20.


birminghammail--2020-09-23--Confirmed case of Covid-19 at school as more pupils sent home

Polesworth School has sent pupils home after a confirmed case of Covid-19 .
The secondary school in Dordon Road says the children who had been in direct will now isolate for 14 days .
It comes after we reported other confirmed cases in the area at Rawlett School , Flax Hill , Amington heath and Landau Forte QEMS .
A letter sent to parents and carers via email reads : `` We have been advised by Public Health England that there has been a confirmed case of Covid-19 within the school .
`` We know that you may find this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ situation and work closely with PHE .
`` This letter is to inform you of the current situation and provide advice on how to support your child .
`` Please be reassured that for most people Covid-19 will be a mild illness .
`` The children who have been in direct prolonged contact with the confirmed case will have received an individual letter and will be staying at home for 14 days .
`` The school remains open and your child should continue to attend if they remain well .
`` If your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to school and should remain at home for at least 10 days from the date when they appeared .
Anyone with symptoms will be eligible for testing .
`` All other household members who remain well must stay at home and not leave the house for 14 days .
This includes anyone in your support bubble .
`` Household members should not go to work , school or public areas and exercise should be taken within the home .
`` If you require help with buying groceries , other shopping or picking up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ask friends or family .
`` Household members staying at home will greatly reduce the overall amount of infection the household could pass on to the community . ''

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Polesworth School has sent pupils home after a confirmed case of Covid-19.
The secondary school in Dordon Road says the children who had been in direct will now isolate for 14 days.
It comes after we reported other confirmed cases in the area at Rawlett School, Flax Hill, Amington heath and Landau Forte QEMS.
A letter sent to parents and carers via email reads: "We have been advised by Public Health England that there has been a confirmed case of Covid-19 within the school.
"We know that you may find this concerning but are continuing to monitor the situation and work closely with PHE.
(Image: Google)
"This letter is to inform you of the current situation and provide advice on how to support your child.
"Please be reassured that for most people Covid-19 will be a mild illness.
"The children who have been in direct prolonged contact with the confirmed case will have received an individual letter and will be staying at home for 14 days.
"The school remains open and your child should continue to attend if they remain well.
"If your child develops symptoms they must not come to school and should remain at home for at least 10 days from the date when they appeared. Anyone with symptoms will be eligible for testing.
"All other household members who remain well must stay at home and not leave the house for 14 days. This includes anyone in your support bubble.
"Household members should not go to work, school or public areas and exercise should be taken within the home.
"If you require help with buying groceries, other shopping or picking up medication or walking a dog you should ask friends or family.
"Household members staying at home will greatly reduce the overall amount of infection the household could pass on to the community."


birminghammail--2020-09-23--This supermarket chain is now employing 'face mask marshals'

The staff will stand at the doors of Asda branches to ensure customers have their faces covered before they enter .
It follows the announcement by the Government yesterday ( Tuesday ) that the fine for not wearing one will increase from £100 to £200 .
Leeds Live reports how Asda has introduced 1,000 of the new Covid-19 marshals to enforce the tighter restrictions .
In larger branches , the staff will also be wandering among the aisles as well .
The chain said as well as enforcing the rules , the marshals will also help shoppers with safety questions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ customers are not wearing masks in store , they will be told they can buy a pack of disposable masks and pay for them as part of their shopping trip .
Extra hand sanitiser stations will be provided in the busiest parts of the stores and protective coatings will be applied to all basket and trolley handles .
Asda is following its rival , Morrisons , in reinstating marshals on its entrance doors .
Also announced by the Government yesterday was a requirement for all shop workers to also wear a face covering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do so .
Anthony Hemmerdinger , chief operating officer at Asda , said : “ We know that safety remains a key priority for our customers and we will continue to do all we can to keep them and our colleagues safe in store , as we have since the start of the pandemic .
“ These additional measures will make our stores an even safer place to shop and work during the coming months.
” Supermarkets were granted “ essential ” status during the lockdown in March , leading to long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over time the rules were relaxed and enforcement reduced .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Neil Shaw, Jane Tyler)

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A major supermarket has introduced "face mask marshals".
The staff will stand at the doors of Asda branches to ensure customers have their faces covered before they enter.
It follows the announcement by the Government yesterday (Tuesday) that the fine for not wearing one will increase from £100 to £200.
Leeds Live reports how Asda has introduced 1,000 of the new Covid-19 marshals to enforce the tighter restrictions. In larger branches, the staff will also be wandering among the aisles as well.
(Image: Getty Images)
The chain said as well as enforcing the rules, the marshals will also help shoppers with safety questions and to reiterate Government guidelines.
If customers are not wearing masks in store, they will be told they can buy a pack of disposable masks and pay for them as part of their shopping trip.
Extra hand sanitiser stations will be provided in the busiest parts of the stores and protective coatings will be applied to all basket and trolley handles.
Asda is following its rival, Morrisons, in reinstating marshals on its entrance doors.
Also announced by the Government yesterday was a requirement for all shop workers to also wear a face covering. Previously, they were not required to do so.
Anthony Hemmerdinger, chief operating officer at Asda, said: “We know that safety remains a key priority for our customers and we will continue to do all we can to keep them and our colleagues safe in store, as we have since the start of the pandemic.
“These additional measures will make our stores an even safer place to shop and work during the coming months.”
Supermarkets were granted “essential” status during the lockdown in March, leading to long queues and strict social distancing, although over time the rules were relaxed and enforcement reduced.


birminghammail--2020-09-23--Birmingham Council leader Ian Ward warns about 'jobs crisis'

Birmingham City Council leader Councillor Ian Ward today called for a West Midlands Jobs Task Force , warning : `` People across Birmingham and the wider region are facing a jobs crisis unless there is clear action . ''
He said : `` We can not continue this sleepwalk to mass unemployment '' .
Coun Ward wants the task force to work with a range of partners including the Department for Work and Pension , councils , Chambers of Commerce and education and skills providers such as colleges .
His call was backed by Labour MP Liam Byrne ( Hodge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thousands of people are being laid off as furlough comes to an end . ''
It comes as analysis by thinktank Centre for Cities highlighted the Birmingham economy as one of those hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic .
Figures released last week showed that unemployment across the city increased by 2,260 to 81,525 in August , with 67 of the city ’ s 69 wards recording increases .
Across the West Midlands , the total claiming unemployment benefits was up 5,075 for the region from July to 271,905 , with the Institute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of manufacturing makes the region more vulnerable to unemployment following the coronavirus crisis .
Coun Ward ( Lab ) said : `` Covid-19 has had a devastating impact on our economy and now , the Chancellor ’ s one-size-fits-all withdrawal of furlough risks creating a jobs squeeze that will put people ’ s livelihoods at risk .
`` In Birmingham , the vast majority of businesses have seen a collapse in revenues , are suffering serious cashflow problems , have let staff go or even closed completely .
We 're already starting to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sadly it 's inevitable that the situation will get worse when the furlough scheme ends . ''
He called on West Midlands Mayor Andy Street ( Con ) to lead action to protect jobs .
`` We need action from the mayor now to protect as many jobs as possible across the region and to help those that unfortunately lose their jobs secure new employment and training opportunities . ''
Mr Byrne , Labour 's candidate for West Midlands Mayor in next year 's mayoral elections , said : `` I 'm appalled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regional mayor have woken up to what is happening across our region .
`` It is impacting every sector from hospitality and the arts , right through to manufacturing and green technology .
We need a task force , and we need it now . ''
He highlighted the Rover task force created by the last Labour government to support the West Midlands economy following the collapse of Longbridge car manufacturer MG Rover .
`` Tony Blair and Gordon Brown showed how a dedicated and committed task force can make a real difference @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a massive crisis fifteen years ago .
What we face now is far bigger than that and needs a proportionate response . ''
There is widespread concern among politicians of all parties , as well as business leaders , about the prospect of growing unemployment caused by coronavirus and the effects of the lockdown .
However , a political divide had opened up about how to respond , with Labour politicians calling on the Government to extend the current furlough scheme , officially known as the job retention scheme .
This is due @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says it should be extended for industries that have not been able to return to normal , and for regions with extra restrictions .
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has said the furlough scheme must end , although there are reports some Conservative MPs are keen to see it continue in a limited form .
Government figures show 9.6 million jobs were furloughed at some point during the coronavirus crisis , at a cost of £39.3bn to the Treasury .
The Government says it is taking measures to protect jobs including : • A Job @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers .
UK Employers will receive a one-off bonus of £1,000 for each furloughed employee who is still employed as of 31 January 2021 .
• A £2 billion Kickstart Scheme to create hundreds of thousands of new , fully subsidised jobs for young people across the country .
Those aged 16-24 , claiming Universal Credit and at risk of long-term unemployment , will be eligible .
Funding available for each six-month job placement will cover 100 % of the National Minimum Wage for 25 hours a week – and employers will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • A total of £1.6 billion will be invested in scaling up employment support schemes , training and apprenticeships to help people looking for a job .
Young people , who are amongst the worst hit by the crisis , will benefit from this • Creating tens of thousands of jobs through bringing forward work on £8.8 billion of new infrastructure , decarbonisation and maintenance projects .
• Homeowners and landlords in England will be able to apply for vouchers from a £2 billion Green Homes Grant scheme this year to pay for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and floor insulation that could save some households hundreds of pounds a year on their energy bills while creating thousands of jobs for tradespeople .
• A £1 billion programme will make public buildings , including schools and hospitals , greener , helping the country meet its ambitions of achieving Net Zero by 2050 , whilst investing in our future prosperity .
• £5.8 billion will be spent on shovel-ready construction projects to get Britain building .
This includes £1.5 billion for hospital maintenance and upgrades and over £1 billion to start to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ England Some experts have warned that pressure on businesses caused by Covid-19 will combine with the impact of Brexit , with the UK set to leave the EU 's single market and customs union on December 31 .

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Birmingham City Council leader Councillor Ian Ward today called for a West Midlands Jobs Task Force, warning: "People across Birmingham and the wider region are facing a jobs crisis unless there is clear action."
He said: "We cannot continue this sleepwalk to mass unemployment".
Coun Ward wants the task force to work with a range of partners including the Department for Work and Pension, councils, Chambers of Commerce and education and skills providers such as colleges.
His call was backed by Labour MP Liam Byrne (Hodge Hill), who said: "Thousands of people are being laid off as furlough comes to an end."
It comes as analysis by thinktank Centre for Cities highlighted the Birmingham economy as one of those hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. Figures released last week showed that unemployment across the city increased by 2,260 to 81,525 in August, with 67 of the city’s 69 wards recording increases.
Across the West Midlands, the total claiming unemployment benefits was up 5,075 for the region from July to 271,905, with the Institute of Chartered Accountants warning that the tradition of manufacturing makes the region more vulnerable to unemployment following the coronavirus crisis.
Coun Ward (Lab) said: "Covid-19 has had a devastating impact on our economy and now, the Chancellor’s one-size-fits-all withdrawal of furlough risks creating a jobs squeeze that will put people’s livelihoods at risk.
"In Birmingham, the vast majority of businesses have seen a collapse in revenues, are suffering serious cashflow problems, have let staff go or even closed completely. We're already starting to see unemployment increasing across the city and sadly it's inevitable that the situation will get worse when the furlough scheme ends."
He called on West Midlands Mayor Andy Street (Con) to lead action to protect jobs.
"We need action from the mayor now to protect as many jobs as possible across the region and to help those that unfortunately lose their jobs secure new employment and training opportunities."
Mr Byrne, Labour's candidate for West Midlands Mayor in next year's mayoral elections, said: "I'm appalled that neither the government nor their conservative regional mayor have woken up to what is happening across our region.
"It is impacting every sector from hospitality and the arts, right through to manufacturing and green technology. We need a task force, and we need it now."
He highlighted the Rover task force created by the last Labour government to support the West Midlands economy following the collapse of Longbridge car manufacturer MG Rover.
"Tony Blair and Gordon Brown showed how a dedicated and committed task force can make a real difference to people's lives when Rover faced a massive crisis fifteen years ago. What we face now is far bigger than that and needs a proportionate response."
There is widespread concern among politicians of all parties, as well as business leaders, about the prospect of growing unemployment caused by coronavirus and the effects of the lockdown. However, a political divide had opened up about how to respond, with Labour politicians calling on the Government to extend the current furlough scheme, officially known as the job retention scheme.
This is due to end on October 31. Labour says it should be extended for industries that have not been able to return to normal, and for regions with extra restrictions. Chancellor Rishi Sunak has said the furlough scheme must end, although there are reports some Conservative MPs are keen to see it continue in a limited form.
Government figures show 9.6 million jobs were furloughed at some point during the coronavirus crisis, at a cost of £39.3bn to the Treasury.
A spokesman for West Midlands Mayor Andy Street said: "The Mayor and the whole West Midlands Combined Authority team are acutely aware of the very serious challenges facing our citizens and the regional economy as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic.
“That’s why from the very start of the pandemic, huge efforts have been made across the West Midlands to ensure that the economic needs of the region have been understood and responded to – with the Mayor working in co-operation with the leaders of the seven local authorities which make up the West Midlands Combined Authority.
“An Economic Impact Group was established in March, chaired by the Mayor, bringing together the region’s business leaders, employers and employee representatives to feed their concerns directly to the Mayor, our local councils and the Government, providing an ongoing and responsive approach to the economic challenges of the pandemic. This group helped produce the ‘Recharge the West Midlands’ document setting out the priorities for Government support for our region."
The Government says it is taking measures to protect jobs including:
A Job Retention Bonus to help firms keep furloughed workers. UK Employers will receive a one-off bonus of £1,000 for each furloughed employee who is still employed as of 31 January 2021.
A £2 billion Kickstart Scheme to create hundreds of thousands of new, fully subsidised jobs for young people across the country. Those aged 16-24, claiming Universal Credit and at risk of long-term unemployment, will be eligible. Funding available for each six-month job placement will cover 100% of the National Minimum Wage for 25 hours a week – and employers will be able to top this wage up.
A total of £1.6 billion will be invested in scaling up employment support schemes, training and apprenticeships to help people looking for a job. Young people, who are amongst the worst hit by the crisis, will benefit from this
Some experts have warned that pressure on businesses caused by Covid-19 will combine with the impact of Brexit, with the UK set to leave the EU's single market and customs union on December 31.


birminghammail--2020-09-23--City fugitive has gold and Rolex watches worth £500k seized

A wanted fugitive whose brother was convicted of a £30 million mortgage scam has had £500,000 worth of jewellery seized - from a safe deposit box .
The Serious Fraud Organisation used new powers to recover gold rings , bracelets and Rolex watches linked to Nisar Afzal , who is believed to have fled to Pakistan .
A warrant is out for his arrest .
The SFO is conducting a civil recovery investigation into the criminal proceeds of Nisar and his brother Saghir Afzal , both from Edgbaston .
Saghir Afzal was jailed back in 2011 for 13 years for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Aston , Saltley and Oldbury .
He was handed an extra 10 years in 2013 after failing to pay back any of the £30 million he defrauded .
Now the SFO used new powers , called listed asset orders , to seize £500,000 of jewellery from a safe deposit box , belonging to Shabana Kausar .
Ms Kausar is the former partner of Nisar Afzal , but is judicially separated from him .
The jewellery included several opulent necklaces and bracelets , gold , silver and diamond encrusted Rolex watches , a large @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with ‘ Nisar . '
The SFO seized the jewellery under the suspicion that it represented proceeds of crime The forfeiture order was secured with Ms Kausar 's consent .
Liz Baker , Head of the Proceeds of Crime and International Assistance Division , said : “ This case reinforces our determination to use every tool available to us to prevent those who would bribe , cheat and steal from resting easily on their illicit gains.
” A listed asset order is a new tool in the Criminal Finances Act 2017 which allows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ subsequently forfeit ‘ listed assets ’ which are believed to represent the proceeds of crime or intended to be used for criminal purposes .
Listed assets can be precious metals and stones , watches , artworks , face-value vouchers or postage stamps .

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A wanted fugitive whose brother was convicted of a £30 million mortgage scam has had £500,000 worth of jewellery seized - from a safe deposit box.
The Serious Fraud Office used new powers to recover gold rings, bracelets and Rolex watches linked to Nisar Afzal, who is believed to have fled to Pakistan.
A warrant is out for his arrest.
The SFO is conducting a civil recovery investigation into the criminal proceeds of Nisar and his brother Saghir Afzal, both from Edgbaston.
Saghir Afzal was jailed back in 2011 for 13 years for securing over-inflated mortgages for industrial sites in Aston, Saltley and Oldbury.
He was handed an extra 10 years in 2013 after failing to pay back any of the £30 million he defrauded.
Now the SFO used new powers, called listed asset orders, to seize £500,000 of jewellery from a safe deposit box, belonging to Shabana Kausar.
Ms Kausar is the former partner of Nisar Afzal, but is judicially separated from him.
(Image: SFO)
The jewellery included several opulent necklaces and bracelets, gold, silver and diamond encrusted Rolex watches, a large diamond ring and a gold ring emblazoned with ‘Nisar.'
The SFO seized the jewellery under the suspicion that it represented proceeds of crime
The forfeiture order was secured with Ms Kausar's consent.
(Image: SFO)
Liz Baker, Head of the Proceeds of Crime and International Assistance Division, said: “This case reinforces our determination to use every tool available to us to prevent those who would bribe, cheat and steal from resting easily on their illicit gains.”
A listed asset order is a new tool in the Criminal Finances Act 2017 which allows law enforcement to seize, detain and subsequently forfeit ‘listed assets’ which are believed to represent the proceeds of crime or intended to be used for criminal purposes.
Listed assets can be precious metals and stones, watches, artworks, face-value vouchers or postage stamps.


birminghammail--2020-09-23--"If it's urgent phone back" - Fears as GP switchboards swamped

Concerns have been raised that GP switchboards in Solihull are log-jammed , with some patients waiting hours to get through or driving to A & E in desperation .
There is mounting frustration that phone systems have been overwhelmed on the back of Covid-19 , with huge numbers of people - including those with serious conditions - unable to get hold of a doctor .
This week 's health and wellbeing board heard of one caller who had more than 150 people ahead of them in the queue and concerns about automated messages such as `` if it 's urgent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Karen Grinsell , who chairs the board , said some people were trying `` desperately '' to speak to surgeries and was worried callers were contending with huge queues .
`` I have had a number of reports around 'you 're 46th in a queue , you 're 27th in a queue ' , there are long queues and it 's all funnelling through one system . ''
`` You 've probably got an awful lot of people trying to get information from their GPs , so it 's how can we improve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She suggested general enquiries and those seeking medical advice were diverted to different places , to ease the strain on the system .
Cllr Rosemary Sexton ( Green , Shirley West ) said she had been inundated with concerns from residents who were `` extremely anxious '' and feared these could be the tip of the iceberg .
`` Some of the stories I 'm hearing are just awful .
`` About people who have quite serious health conditions , who ca n't get through to speak to their GP .
`` Some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ desperation - going to A & E or urgent care centres .
Others , more worryingly , have just given up trying to get hold of people .
`` I had someone call me in a panic about not being able to get hold of a prescription , they had been trying for days and they were out of medication that they desperately needed .
So this is a really serious problem . ''
James Voller , from Solihull Action through Advocacy , a charity which supports those with learning disabilities , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We had one person ring us and tell us they were 156th in the queue and it took them three hours to speak to somebody , so there 's obviously something that 's not working in there somewhere . ''
He believed that part of the issue was where practices had grouped together and large numbers of patients were being channelled through the same contact point .
Dr John Davenport , the Clinical Commissioning Group 's GP lead in Solihull , said that surgeries remained `` very much open . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ face-to-face consultations and home visits were still being carried out , but there had been a shift to virtual appointments as well as part of the response to Covid-19 .
`` We do speak to people on the phone or via video-link before we see them and that 's for their safety and ours because one of the things we fear most is getting Covid in the surgery , which means we might have to close if there was an outbreak .
And that really is very worrying . ''
He admitted it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ phones .
`` We are encouraging people to contact us more by email initially for requests and we have a massive number of requests for prescriptions and so on by email .
`` But it is very worrying if people are having problems getting through ... you should bring those specific issues to our attention . ''
Paul Jennings , the CCG 's chief executive , said it took the reports `` seriously '' and also asked board members to pass on details of any particular cases so it could investigate .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here about capacity , '' he said .
`` It may be that we need to have a conversation with practices , collectively and individually , on how they physically manage those calls . ''

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Concerns have been raised that GP switchboards in Solihull are log-jammed, with some patients waiting hours to get through or driving to A&E in desperation.
There is mounting frustration that phone systems have been overwhelmed on the back of Covid-19, with huge numbers of people - including those with serious conditions - unable to get hold of a doctor.
This week's health and wellbeing board heard of one caller who had more than 150 people ahead of them in the queue and concerns about automated messages such as "if it's urgent, phone back later."
Cllr Karen Grinsell, who chairs the board, said some people were trying "desperately" to speak to surgeries and was worried callers were contending with huge queues.
"I have had a number of reports around 'you're 46th in a queue, you're 27th in a queue', there are long queues and it's all funnelling through one system."
"You've probably got an awful lot of people trying to get information from their GPs, so it's how can we improve the access on the phone?"
She suggested general enquiries and those seeking medical advice were diverted to different places, to ease the strain on the system.
(Image: Kate Woolhouse)
Cllr Rosemary Sexton (Green, Shirley West) said she had been inundated with concerns from residents who were "extremely anxious" and feared these could be the tip of the iceberg.
"Some of the stories I'm hearing are just awful.
"About people who have quite serious health conditions, who can't get through to speak to their GP.
"Some of them have ended up - in desperation - going to A&E or urgent care centres. Others, more worryingly, have just given up trying to get hold of people.
"I had someone call me in a panic about not being able to get hold of a prescription, they had been trying for days and they were out of medication that they desperately needed. So this is a really serious problem."
James Voller, from Solihull Action through Advocacy, a charity which supports those with learning disabilities, said he had also picked up these concerns.
"We had one person ring us and tell us they were 156th in the queue and it took them three hours to speak to somebody, so there's obviously something that's not working in there somewhere."
He believed that part of the issue was where practices had grouped together and large numbers of patients were being channelled through the same contact point.
(Image: Yui Mok/PA Wire)
Dr John Davenport, the Clinical Commissioning Group's GP lead in Solihull, said that surgeries remained "very much open."
Addressing concerns, he said that both face-to-face consultations and home visits were still being carried out, but there had been a shift to virtual appointments as well as part of the response to Covid-19.
"We do speak to people on the phone or via video-link before we see them and that's for their safety and ours because one of the things we fear most is getting Covid in the surgery, which means we might have to close if there was an outbreak. And that really is very worrying."
He admitted it was "very busy" on the phones.
"We are encouraging people to contact us more by email initially for requests and we have a massive number of requests for prescriptions and so on by email.
"But it is very worrying if people are having problems getting through ... you should bring those specific issues to our attention."
Paul Jennings, the CCG's chief executive, said it took the reports "seriously" and also asked board members to pass on details of any particular cases so it could investigate.
"I think there is an issue clearly here about capacity," he said.
"It may be that we need to have a conversation with practices, collectively and individually, on how they physically manage those calls."


birminghammail--2020-09-23--West Brom learn update on Olivier Ntcham after transfer links

Southampton are set to strike a deal for Celtic midfielder Olivier Ntcham amid reported interest from West Bromwich Albion .
The Baggies were linked with a move for the Manchester City academy graduate earlier this week , with suggestions a possible loan to buy arrangement was being looked at .
Ntcham has impressed for the Scottish Premiership champions since his £4million move from the Etihad Stadium in 2017 .
So far this season he has played nine times and set up two goals while also filling in upfront as well as in his natural play-making role .
Why should you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bulletin , we 'll be bringing you the latest breaking news , transfer features and comment pieces , as well as the key talking points for fans .
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Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up .
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Google Play Store and App Store But Southampton are working hard on a deal to take Ntcham to the south coast , according to Football Insider .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ interest in the 24-year-old and are preparing an offer to beat other suitors to his signature .
Celtic are said to be demanding £12million to sell the former France under-21 international with Marseille and Lyon also interested in taking the player back to his homeland .
Ntcham has made 132 appearances in all competitions for Neil Lennon 's side and has two years left to run on his contract .
Albion , meanwhile , retain a strong interest in Filip Krovinovic with under three weeks to go until October 's transfer deadline .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ his desire to see his compatriot return after a successful loan stint , which involved playmaker Krovinovic scoring three goals in 43 appearances as the Baggies returned to the Premier League .
Bilic urged owner Guochuan Lai to provide extra funds for deals after Tuesday 's Carabao Cup exit to Brentford .
“ Hopefully , ” he said when asked about being given cash to spend .
“ Everybody knows we need a couple more players and we are doing everything to get them .
“ I hope our owners recognise the situation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ”

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Southampton are set to strike a deal for Celtic midfielder Olivier Ntcham amid reported interest from West Bromwich Albion.
The Baggies were linked with a move for the Manchester City academy graduate earlier this week, with suggestions a possible loan to buy arrangement was being looked at.
Ntcham has impressed for the Scottish Premiership champions since his £4million move from the Etihad Stadium in 2017.
So far this season he has played nine times and set up two goals while also filling in upfront as well as in his natural play-making role.
West Brom daily newsletter. Free. To your inbox Why should you sign up? We'll be bringing you the latest breaking news, transfer gossip and comment pieces in our daily Baggies bulletin, as well as the key talking points for fans. How do you sign up? It's easy and only takes seconds. Just type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up. And that's it, you're all set. You can also sign up by clicking here. And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest West Brom updates by following us on Facebook and Twitter. We also have a free app which you can download via Google Play Store or the App Store. It is always up-to-date with the latest news .
But Southampton are working hard on a deal to take Ntcham to the south coast, according to Football Insider.
They report the Saints have a long-standing interest in the 24-year-old and are preparing an offer to beat other suitors to his signature.
Celtic are said to be demanding £12million to sell the former France under-21 international with Marseille and Lyon also interested in taking the player back to his homeland.
Ntcham has made 132 appearances in all competitions for Neil Lennon's side and has two years left to run on his contract.
Albion, meanwhile, retain a strong interest in Filip Krovinovic with under three weeks to go until October's transfer deadline.
Slaven Bilic has made no secret of his desire to see his compatriot return after a successful loan stint, which involved playmaker Krovinovic scoring three goals in 43 appearances as the Baggies returned to the Premier League.
Bilic urged owner Guochuan Lai to provide extra funds for deals after Tuesday's Carabao Cup exit to Brentford.
“Hopefully,” he said when asked about being given cash to spend. “Everybody knows we need a couple more players and we are doing everything to get them.
“I hope our owners recognise the situation and help us to get there.”