birminghammail--2020-09-05--Motorhome stocked with seven-year-old's medical supplies stolen

Callous thieves have stolen a motorhome containing a poorly seven-year-old 's medical supplies and beloved comfort blanket .
Madison Hartill from Tipton suffers from congenital scoliosis , a condition which causes curvature of the spine and is so rare that it affects just one in 10,000 .
The youngster underwent an operation in 2014 - which saw surgeons remove extra vertebrae at the bottom of her spine and fuse the remaining vertebrae together with nuts and bolts - but is now fully incontinent and has to use a catheter and have regular enemas .
For this reason , mum Claire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chausson motorhome - pictured below - so they could enjoy family holidays while ensuring Madison had a comfortable place to perform flushes .
The family , who got the vehicle on August 15 and recently enjoyed a trip to Weymouth , had parked it on Claire 's sister 's driveway in Waterloo Street East , Tipton , as they did n't have enough space on their own .
But they were devastated to discover it had been stolen between 1am and 8am on Saturday , September 5 .
Claire told Black Country Live @ @ @ @ @ @ @ got into the vehicle as there were no signs of broken glass left behind .
She said the motorhome had been stocked with Madison 's medical supplies - including catheters and flushing solution - plus a sat nav , sunglasses and other valuables .
`` But the most important thing that 's gone is a blanket she 's had since she was a baby , '' the 35-year-old added .
`` We 've had lots of crying this morning as she 'd left it in there . ''
The mum-of-three has appealed for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come forward .
`` It has taken a lot away from the children , '' she said .
`` Especially Madison , she 's gone through so much - through no fault of her own - and had a lot to deal with .
`` It gave us a chance to get her out and enjoy a bit of life with the comfort of being able to do her medical procedures in the motorhome .
`` We work hard for nice things and then they 're just taken away . ''
Anyone with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ either the vehicle or those responsible should get in touch via the live chat facility at www.west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight .

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Callous thieves have stolen a motorhome containing a poorly seven-year-old's medical supplies and beloved comfort blanket.
Madison Hartill from Tipton suffers from congenital scoliosis, a condition which causes curvature of the spine and is so rare that it affects just one in 10,000.
The youngster underwent an operation in 2014 - which saw surgeons remove extra vertebrae at the bottom of her spine and fuse the remaining vertebrae together with nuts and bolts - but is now fully incontinent and has to use a catheter and have regular enemas.
For this reason, mum Claire said they decided to invest in a Chausson motorhome - pictured below - so they could enjoy family holidays while ensuring Madison had a comfortable place to perform flushes.
(Image: Claire Hartill)
The family, who got the vehicle on August 15 and recently enjoyed a trip to Weymouth, had parked it on Claire's sister's driveway in Waterloo Street East, Tipton, as they didn't have enough space on their own.
But they were devastated to discover it had been stolen between 1am and 8am on Saturday, September 5.
Claire told Black Country Live she didn't know how thieves had got into the vehicle as there were no signs of broken glass left behind.
She said the motorhome had been stocked with Madison's medical supplies - including catheters and flushing solution - plus a sat nav, sunglasses and other valuables.
"But the most important thing that's gone is a blanket she's had since she was a baby," the 35-year-old added.
"We've had lots of crying this morning as she'd left it in there."
The mum-of-three has appealed for anyone with information about the theft to come forward.
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"It has taken a lot away from the children," she said.
"Especially Madison, she's gone through so much - through no fault of her own - and had a lot to deal with.
"It gave us a chance to get her out and enjoy a bit of life with the comfort of being able to do her medical procedures in the motorhome.
"We work hard for nice things and then they're just taken away."
Anyone with information that could assist police in finding either the vehicle or those responsible should get in touch via the live chat facility at www.west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight.
Alternatively, call 101, quoting crime reference 20SW/212751F/20.


birminghammail--2020-09-05--'Silva > Greenwood' - Wolves fans go nuts at 'imminent' £35m Fabio Silva deal

Wolverhampton Wanderers fans have been reacting to reports that FC Porto starlet Fabio Silva is on the verge of a move to Molineux .
Multiple outlets are reporting that Silva is on the verge of a £35 million transfer to Wolves , a club-record fee that would eclipse the £30m paid for striker Raul Jimenez in April last year .
Silva , who has reportedly attracted interest from Premier League champions Liverpool , could seal the move as early as Saturday .
The 18 year-old had a €120m release clause in his contract but Porto have reportedly waived it .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to stay on top of all the Wolverhampton Wanderers news with our daily newsletter .
Delivered straight into your email inbox each day , the bulletins will feature the latest Wolves news , views , gossip and opinion .
All you have to do is punch your email in at the top of the article - it looks just like this ... And what 's more , it 's absolutely free !
You can also get all the latest updates by following us on Facebook and Twitter .
We also have a free @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region .
Google Play Store and App Store Silva 's performances for Porto have earned comparisons with compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo , with Sporting hero Manuel Fernandes making the claim two years ago .
Silva 's imminent arrival has got Wolves fans talking , with the Molineux faithful very happy indeed .
`` Fabio Silva deal definitely shows ambition , '' said another .
`` This sort of backing also gives me great confidence . ''
Sign up for our Wolves newsletter with your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the page or click here Another added : `` This could be an incredible signing .
Massive risk but honestly has the potential to be one of the best . ''
`` Massive risk you just have to trust Nuno , '' a fourth fan said .
`` Things are looking back up , '' a fifth supporter added .
Silva made 21 appearances for Porto last season , scoring three times .

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Wolverhampton Wanderers fans have been reacting to reports that FC Porto starlet Fabio Silva is on the verge of a move to Molineux.
Multiple outlets are reporting that Silva is on the verge of a £35 million transfer to Wolves, a club-record fee that would eclipse the £30m paid for striker Raul Jimenez in April last year.
Silva, who has reportedly attracted interest from Premier League champions Liverpool, could seal the move as early as Saturday.
The 18 year-old had a €120m release clause in his contract but Porto have reportedly waived it.
Wolves daily newsletter. Free. To your inbox There's a quick and easy way to stay on top of all the Wolverhampton Wanderers news with our daily newsletter. Delivered straight into your email inbox each day, the bulletins will feature the latest Wolves news, views, gossip and opinion. All you have to do is punch your email in at the top of the article - or sign up here. And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest updates by following us on 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
Silva's performances for Porto have earned comparisons with compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo, with Sporting hero Manuel Fernandes making the claim two years ago.
Silva's imminent arrival has got Wolves fans talking, with the Molineux faithful very happy indeed.
"Fabio Silva > Mason Greenwood," one fan said.
"Fabio Silva deal definitely shows ambition," said another. "This sort of backing also gives me great confidence."
Sign up for our Wolves newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here
Another added: "This could be an incredible signing. Massive risk but honestly has the potential to be one of the best."
"Massive risk you just have to trust Nuno," a fourth fan said.
"Things are looking back up," a fifth supporter added.
Silva made 21 appearances for Porto last season, scoring three times.


birminghammail--2020-09-05--Mum 'discovers poo in Iceland' while grabbing chicken nuggets

A horrified mum has described the moment she 'got her hand covered in human poo while buying chicken nuggets ' from Iceland .
Furious Lynne McCabe said she was smeared in faeces after putting her hand inside a freezer in a supermarket at Saltcoats , North Ayrshire .
She said she realised there was human excrement on the packaging of the nuggets she was buying for her children 's dinner when she accidentally touched her nose .
The 35-year-old told the Daily Record : `` The smell was awful .
I must have touched my nose after I put the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I did n't know where it was coming from but then I realised .
`` I was disgusted and just glad my little girl had n't touched it first . ''
Lynne said she quickly told staff what had happened and said she was taken aback by their reaction and their goodwill gesture .
She added : `` At first they laughed and then one was kind of heaving saying 'that 's disgusting ' .
`` They let me use the staff room to clean my hands .
`` They did say sorry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chocolate balls as an apology .
I mean come on , I 'm covered in poo and they give me chocolate balls to say sorry ? ''
Lynne claims staff blamed an elderly woman who had been in the store earlier in the day for the mishap and said they would need to look at till receipts and CCTV to find out what had happened .
She said staff told her the woman was unwell and asked to use the toilet .
Lynne added : `` They said she made a right mess @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I was a bit shocked they had n't closed the shop though .
`` Surely if they knew there had been an accident they should have checked the place thoroughly . ''
She added : `` What else did she touch in the shop ?
I do n't think they will have bothered to check .
`` The situation was handled terribly by staff .
`` Who knows what kind of germs that person had and just it was lying there for hours before it was cleaned . ''
After leaving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Customer Service department to complain .
She received a call back from the area manager who said he had not been made aware of the situation .
Lynne added : `` He offered me a £20 voucher , a bottle of wine and said there would be a few more freebies offered .
`` Why the hell would I want to go back into the shop ? ''
Iceland said they are aware of the situation .
A spokesperson for the supermarket said : “ Whilst we are unable to comment on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place in one of our stores , we are confident that all necessary measures were taken .
`` Upon being made aware of the incident , we immediately made plans to close our store for deep cleaning .
This has now been completed and our store is open as normal .
“ We extend our apologies to the customer for the upset caused , and provided a gesture of goodwill in store .
`` We encourage the customer to contact our Customer Care team directly so that we can escalate her query and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
”

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Lynn Love, Andy Richardson)

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A horrified mum has described the moment she 'got her hand covered in human poo while buying chicken nuggets' from Iceland.
Furious Lynne McCabe said she was smeared in faeces after putting her hand inside a freezer in a supermarket at Saltcoats, North Ayrshire.
She said she realised there was human excrement on the packaging of the nuggets she was buying for her children's dinner when she accidentally touched her nose.
The 35-year-old told the Daily Record : "The smell was awful. I must have touched my nose after I put the nuggets in the basket. At first I didn't know where it was coming from but then I realised.
"I was disgusted and just glad my little girl hadn't touched it first."
Lynne said she quickly told staff what had happened and said she was taken aback by their reaction and their goodwill gesture.
She added: "At first they laughed and then one was kind of heaving saying 'that's disgusting'.
"They let me use the staff room to clean my hands.
"They did say sorry and gave me a box of Lindor chocolate balls as an apology. I mean come on, I'm covered in poo and they give me chocolate balls to say sorry?"
(Image: Google Maps)
Lynne claims staff blamed an elderly woman who had been in the store earlier in the day for the mishap and said they would need to look at till receipts and CCTV to find out what had happened.
She said staff told her the woman was unwell and asked to use the toilet.
Lynne added: "They said she made a right mess and they had to clean it up.
"I was a bit shocked they hadn't closed the shop though.
"Surely if they knew there had been an accident they should have checked the place thoroughly."
She added: "What else did she touch in the shop? I don't think they will have bothered to check.
"The situation was handled terribly by staff.
"Who knows what kind of germs that person had and just it was lying there for hours before it was cleaned."
After leaving the store. Lynne called the Iceland Customer Service department to complain.
She received a call back from the area manager who said he had not been made aware of the situation.
Lynne added: "He offered me a £20 voucher, a bottle of wine and said there would be a few more freebies offered.
"Why the hell would I want to go back into the shop?"
Iceland said they are aware of the situation.
A spokesperson for the supermarket said: “Whilst we are unable to comment on the specific circumstances of this incident which took place in one of our stores, we are confident that all necessary measures were taken.
"Upon being made aware of the incident, we immediately made plans to close our store for deep cleaning. This has now been completed and our store is open as normal.
“We extend our apologies to the customer for the upset caused, and provided a gesture of goodwill in store.
"We encourage the customer to contact our Customer Care team directly so that we can escalate her query and ensure she is comfortable with the outcome.”


birminghammail--2020-09-05--Eight new Covid-19 deaths recorded in England with zero in Midlands

There were eight new deaths resulting from coronavirus - but none were recorded in the Midlands .
NHS England said @ @ @ @ @ 56 and 94 years old and all had known underlying health conditions .
They died @ @ @ @ @ 5 .
It brings the total number of confirmed reported deaths in hospitals in England @ @ @ @ @ have been informed of the tragic deaths .
It comes after there were 360 registered @ @ @ @ @ August 31 .
56 asylum seekers also tested positive for the virus at a Birmingham @ @ @ @ @ It also comes after fears over a local lockdown in Birmingham due to a spike @ @ @ @ @ of deaths of patients with Covid-19 by region are as follows :

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There were eight new deaths resulting from coronavirus - but none were recorded in the Midlands.
NHS England said that patients were aged between 56 and 94 years old and all had known underlying health conditions.
They died between August 31 and September 5. It brings the total number of confirmed reported deaths in hospitals in England to 29,604.
Their families have been informed of the tragic deaths.
It comes after there were 360 registered Covid-19 cases in Birmingham by August 31. 56 asylum seekers also tested positive for the virus at a Birmingham hostel earlier this week.
It also comes after fears over a local lockdown in Birmingham due to a spike in cases.
The number of deaths of patients with Covid-19 by region are as follows:
East of England - 1
London - 2
Midlands - 0
North East & Yorkshire - 0
North West - 4
South East - 1
South West - 0
TOTAL: 8


birminghammail--2020-09-06--Ambulance service release statement following city stabbings

West Midlands Ambulance Service has released a statement following multiple stabbings in Birmingham city centre which left one man dead and seven injured .
The ambulance service says 14 ambulances were sent to Birmingham city centre overnight after they received multiple calls to three locations over a period of an hour and twenty minutes .
The initial call was to the junction of Colmore Row / Livery Street at 12.40am , with further incident sites at Irving Street at 1.52am and Hurst Street at 2.00am .
A total of 14 ambulances were sent to the scene along with eleven paramedic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , four critical care teams with doctors and critical care paramedics .
A team of St John Ambulance volunteers at the SafeSpace project at the Arcadian were also involved in treating casualties and conveyed one of the patients .
Five patients were taken to the major trauma centre at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham .
Three had suffered critical injuries and sadly , a man died shortly after arrival .
Two further patients with non life-threatening injuries were also taken to Heartlands Hospital for treatment .
An eighth patient with minor injuries did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ went to major incident standby with further ambulances sent to standby in the area should then have been needed .
Senior officers including the Chief Executive also attended Trust Headquarters to co-ordinate the Trust response .
Assistant Chief Ambulance Officer , Nathan Hudson , said : “ This was clearly a very serious situation with a large number of patients , some with very serious injuries .
“ My thoughts are with the families of those hurt , particularly of the man who tragically lost his life .
“ I must pay tribute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hard at the scene and en-route to hospital , to help each of the patients hurt .
“ We train for incidents like this on a regular basis which meant that we were able to get a large number of ambulance resources into the scene very rapidly so that patients got the care they needed as quickly as possible.
” This is what the ambulance service said in full : A large number of ambulance resources were sent to Birmingham City Centre overnight after a series on stabbing incidents .
We received multiple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of an hour and twenty minutes .
The initial call was to the junction of Colmore Row / Livery Street at 12.40am , with further incident sites at Irving Street at 1.52am and Hurst Street at 2.00am .
A total of 14 ambulances were sent to the scene along with eleven paramedic officers , the Hazardous Area Response Team , four critical care teams with doctors and critical care paramedics .
A team of St John Ambulance volunteers at the SafeSpace project at the Arcadian were also involved in treating casualties and conveyed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patients were taken to the major trauma centre at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham .
Three had suffered critical injuries and sadly , a man died shortly after arrival .
• Two further patients with non life-threatening injuries were also taken to Heartlands Hospital for treatment .
An eighth patient with minor injuries did not receive ambulance treatment .
The Trust went to major incident standby with further ambulances sent to standby in the area should then have been needed .
Senior officers including the Chief Executive also attended Trust Headquarters to co-ordinate the @ @ @

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West Midlands Ambulance Service has released a statement following multiple stabbings in Birmingham city centre which left one man dead and seven injured.
The ambulance service says 14 ambulances were sent to Birmingham city centre overnight after they received multiple calls to three locations over a period of an hour and twenty minutes.
The initial call was to the junction of Colmore Row / Livery Street at 12.40am, with further incident sites at Irving Street at 1.52am and Hurst Street at 2.00am.
A total of 14 ambulances were sent to the scene along with eleven paramedic officers, the Hazardous Area Response Team, four critical care teams with doctors and critical care paramedics.
A team of St John Ambulance volunteers at the SafeSpace project at the Arcadian were also involved in treating casualties and conveyed one of the patients.
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Five patients were taken to the major trauma centre at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham. Three had suffered critical injuries and sadly, a man died shortly after arrival.
Two further patients with non life-threatening injuries were also taken to Heartlands Hospital for treatment.
An eighth patient with minor injuries did not receive ambulance treatment.
(Image: Darren Quinton)
The Trust went to major incident standby with further ambulances sent to standby in the area should then have been needed.
Senior officers including the Chief Executive also attended Trust Headquarters to co-ordinate the Trust response.
Assistant Chief Ambulance Officer, Nathan Hudson, said: “This was clearly a very serious situation with a large number of patients, some with very serious injuries.
“My thoughts are with the families of those hurt, particularly of the man who tragically lost his life.
“I must pay tribute to the ambulance staff who worked so hard at the scene and en-route to hospital, to help each of the patients hurt.
“We train for incidents like this on a regular basis which meant that we were able to get a large number of ambulance resources into the scene very rapidly so that patients got the care they needed as quickly as possible.”
This is what the ambulance service said in full:
A large number of ambulance resources were sent to Birmingham City Centre overnight after a series on stabbing incidents.
We received multiple calls to three locations over a period of an hour and twenty minutes. The initial call was to the junction of Colmore Row / Livery Street at 12.40am, with further incident sites at Irving Street at 1.52am and Hurst Street at 2.00am.
A total of 14 ambulances were sent to the scene along with eleven paramedic officers, the Hazardous Area Response Team, four critical care teams with doctors and critical care paramedics.
A team of St John Ambulance volunteers at the SafeSpace project at the Arcadian were also involved in treating casualties and conveyed one of the patients.
Ambulance staff treated a total of seven patients:
• Five patients were taken to the major trauma centre at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham. Three had suffered critical injuries and sadly, a man died shortly after arrival.
• Two further patients with non life-threatening injuries were also taken to Heartlands Hospital for treatment.
An eighth patient with minor injuries did not receive ambulance treatment.
The Trust went to major incident standby with further ambulances sent to standby in the area should then have been needed. Senior officers including the Chief Executive also attended Trust Headquarters to co-ordinate the Trust response.


birminghammail--2020-09-06--Carabao Cup second round draw LIVE

Carabao Cup second round draw LIVE

The second round draw of the Carabao Cup will be staged this afternoon .
First round ties have been completed @ @ @ @ @ City and Walsall exited the competition yesterday , Aston Villa , West Bromwich Albion and @ @ @ @ @ draw .
All of the West Midlands clubs will be in the northern section of @ @ @ @ @ the highest ranked club involved after their seventh-placed finish in the Premier League last term @ @ @ @ @ and those competing in Europe - wo n't enter until the third round stage .
@ @ @ @ @ the final of the Carabao Cup last season , losing 2-1 to Manchester City at @ @ @ @ @ due to take place after Brentford 's tie with Wycombe Wanderers on Sky Sports , @ @ @ @ @ begin at around 2pm .
We 'll be bringing you all the build-up and live @ @ @ @ @ it happens so stay tuned .

The second round draw of the Carabao Cup will be staged this afternoon.
First round ties have been completed this weekend and while Birmingham City and Walsall exited the competition yesterday, Aston Villa, West Bromwich Albion and Wolverhampton Wanderers now enter the draw.
All of the West Midlands clubs will be in the northern section of the draw, with Wolves the highest ranked club involved after their seventh-placed finish in the Premier League last term.
The top six - and those competing in Europe - won't enter until the third round stage.
Villa, meanwhile, reached the final of the Carabao Cup last season, losing 2-1 to Manchester City at Wembley.
The draw is due to take place after Brentford's tie with Wycombe Wanderers on Sky Sports, so it's expected to begin at around 2pm.
We'll be bringing you all the build-up and live updates of the draw as it happens so stay tuned.


birminghammail--2020-09-06--Suspect still at large after 'random' knife attacks in Birmingham city centre

A knifeman is still at large after a series of stabbings left one dead and seven injured in Birmingham city centre .
Police said they are looking for one suspect in relation to the 'random ' knife attacks , which took place over a two hour period in the early hours of Sunday , September 6 .
A murder probe has been launched after one man died as a result of his injuries .
Two others are also in a critical condition in hospital , while five others suffered minor injuries .
During a press conference , held at West @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chief Superintendent Steve Graham , said the initial incident took place just after midnight in Constitution Hill .
The other incidents happened in Livery Street , Irving Street and Hurst Street .
All four incidents , which happened between 12.30am and 2.20am , are being linked at this stage .
The police chief said it appeared to be a `` random attack '' and said officers were yet find a motive - however there is no suggestion it was terror or gang related .
No links were found between victims or where the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city centre today has been told to remain vigilant , although the officer stressed Birmingham is still `` safe '' He continued : `` If you are coming to Birmingham city centre don ’ t be afraid but be alert , if you see people approaching you who you are not happy with , give them a wide birth . ''
No description of the suspect was given but the public were told not to approach anyone they suspect may be involved , and to instead call the police directly .
Anyone with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ via Live Chat at www.west-midlands.police.uk or by calling 101 or 999 in an emergency .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Stephanie Balloo, Kelly Ashmore)

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A knifeman is still at large after a series of stabbings left one dead and seven injured in Birmingham city centre.
Police said they are looking for one suspect in relation to the 'random' knife attacks, which took place over a two hour period in the early hours of Sunday, September 6.
A murder probe has been launched after one man died as a result of his injuries.
Two others are also in a critical condition in hospital, while five others suffered minor injuries.
During a press conference, held at West Midlands Police's headquarters in Birmingham, Chief Superintendent Steve Graham, said the initial incident took place just after midnight in Constitution Hill.
The other incidents happened in Livery Street, Irving Street and Hurst Street.
All four incidents, which happened between 12.30am and 2.20am, are being linked at this stage.
The police chief said it appeared to be a "random attack" and said officers were yet find a motive - however there is no suggestion it was terror or gang related.
No links were found between victims or where the victims were socialising, Chief Superintendent Steve Graham said.
Anyone going into Birmingham city centre today has been told to remain vigilant, although the Chief Superintendent stressed Birmingham is still "safe".
He continued: "If you are coming to Birmingham city centre don’t be afraid but be alert, if you see people approaching you who you are not happy with, give them a wide birth."
No description of the suspect was given but the public were told not to approach anyone they suspect may be involved, and to instead call the police directly.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the force via Live Chat at www.west-midlands.police.uk or by calling 101 or 999 in an emergency.


birminghammail--2020-09-06--Leicester join Rico Henry race amid West Brom transfer links

Left-back Rico Henry isn ’ t short of admirers from the Premier League .
West Brom , Brighton and Leeds United have all been credited with an interest in the Brentford defender , who is currently preparing for the new season in the Championship having impressed in the Bees side last term .
Now Leicester City have emerged as the latest contenders for Henry ’ s signature , as they seek a replacement for the departed Ben Chilwell .
Make sure you do n't miss a thing - click here to sign up to our Albion newsletter The England international @ @ @ @ @ @ @ big spending Chelsea , in a deal that is set to be worth around £50m to the Foxes .
Brendan Rodgers has done his most recent full-back transfer business in the Championship , having snapped up James Justin from Luton Town last summer - now he ’ s being tipped to repeat that with Henry .
Injuries have ravaged Henry ’ s time in West London , until last season when he played regularly and impressed as Brentford just fell short in their quest to reach the Premier League .
Failure to gain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flight clubs has mounted when it comes to the star players in what is a talented squad - and Henry comes into that category .
Albion are admirers of Henry , who is Birmingham born and came through the ranks at nearby Walsall before following Dean Smith to Griffin Park .
They looked at Antonee Robinson of Wigan , though he has since moved to Premier League rivals Fulham .
Speaking about Henry last month , Bees boss Thomas Frank outlined his intentions to retain his services amid such interest from above .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ talented players , ” he explained .
“ We all know how difficult it is to find good left-footed full-backs and wing-backs and he ’ s one of the most talented in the division .
So we definitely want to keep him longer term .
”

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Left-back Rico Henry isn’t short of admirers from the Premier League.
West Brom, Brighton and Leeds United have all been credited with an interest in the Brentford defender, who is currently preparing for the new season in the Championship having impressed in the Bees side last term.
Now Leicester City have emerged as the latest contenders for Henry’s signature, as they seek a replacement for the departed Ben Chilwell.
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The England international has left the King Power Stadium for big spending Chelsea, in a deal that is set to be worth around £50m to the Foxes.
Brendan Rodgers has done his most recent full-back transfer business in the Championship, having snapped up James Justin from Luton Town last summer - now he’s being tipped to repeat that with Henry.
Injuries have ravaged Henry’s time in West London, until last season when he played regularly and impressed as Brentford just fell short in their quest to reach the Premier League.
Failure to gain promotion inevitably means that interest from top flight clubs has mounted when it comes to the star players in what is a talented squad - and Henry comes into that category.
Albion are admirers of Henry, who is Birmingham born and came through the ranks at nearby Walsall before following Dean Smith to Griffin Park.
They looked at Antonee Robinson of Wigan, though he has since moved to Premier League rivals Fulham.
Speaking about Henry last month, Bees boss Thomas Frank outlined his intentions to retain his services amid such interest from above.
“Rico is one of our most talented players,” he explained.
“We all know how difficult it is to find good left-footed full-backs and wing-backs and he’s one of the most talented in the division. So we definitely want to keep him longer term.”


birminghammail--2020-09-06--The lowdown on Marcal as Wolves close in on another signing

Brazilian defender Fernando Marcal is in line to become Wolverhampton Wanderers ' next signing of the window .
The £35million club-record acquisition of Portuguese youngster Fabio Silva kicked things off on Saturday and Wolves are hoping to add more in the coming days .
The next signing believed to be on the way is Lyon 's 31-year-old defender Marcal , who sparked rumours this morning by following Wolves on Instagram .
His full name is Fernando Marcal Oliveira but he goes by Marcal .
He began his career in his native Brazil with Gremio before moving on to Guarantingueta and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Marcal has represented three Portuguese clubs , including Benfica - though he spent his two seasons on their books out on loan with Turkey 's Gaziantepspor and Ligue 1 side Guingamp .
His performances for Guingamp in 2016/17 attracted interest from Lyon and he made a permanent move to France for €4.5million in 2017 .
In three seasons with Lyon Marcal has been a much-used squad player , playing in 68 matches in total .
He boasts European experience having plied his trade in the Champions League in the past two campaigns and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Where does he play ?
Nuno Espirito Santo 's opinion of Marcal will no doubt have been formed over much more than 90 minutes of football but his showing in Lyon 's quarter-final win over Manchester City in August offers an insight into why Wolves want him .
Marcal is ordinarily a left-back and will most likely provide competition for Ruben Vinagre at left wing-back while Jonny Castro Otto recovers from a long-term knee injury .
But he played on the left of a back three in Lyon 's 3-1 win over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the pitch .
French newspaper L'Equipe , famous for being harsh markers , gave Marcal a seven in their player ratings the following day .
Only two Lyon players - Houssem Aouar ( 9 ) and Maxence Caqueret ( 8 ) - scored higher than the Brazilian .
In a small squad where players are required to operate in two systems and more than one position , Marcal could prove to be a very useful addition .
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You can also get all the latest updates by following us on Facebook and Twitter .
We also have a free app which you can download .
It is always up-to-date with the latest news from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and App Store Marcal is an aggressive defender who likes to play on the front foot .
His disciplinary record last season - eight bookings and three red cards in 22 games - suggests as much .
He 's comfortable on the ball and possesses the physical qualities to play either centre-back or left wing-back .
He was part of a Lyon team which secured some memorable results last term including clean sheets against Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain - no mean feat when you consider the class those two clubs have in attack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of by Lyon 's supporters , some of whom have been commenting on his impending exit on social media .
@ adri1_OL_ : `` In addition to being an excellent defender , he put Ronaldo and De Bruyne in his pocket in UCL . ''
@ nico_LGY : `` Pretty decent CB in a back three , quick , mobile , good passing ability , can also play left-back .
His versatility will make him a good squad player . ''

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Brazilian defender Fernando Marcal has become Wolverhampton Wanderers' second signing of the window.
The £35million club-record acquisition of Portuguese youngster Fabio Silva kicked things off on Saturday and Wolves have added another.
31-year-old defender Marcal has put pen to paper on a two-year deal having initially sparked rumours over a move this morning by following Wolves on Instagram.
Background
His full name is Fernando Marcal Oliveira but he goes by Marcal. He began his career in his native Brazil with Gremio before moving on to Guarantingueta and eventually leaving for Portugal in 2010.
Marcal has represented three Portuguese clubs, including Benfica - though he spent his two seasons on their books out on loan with Turkey's Gaziantepspor and Ligue 1 side Guingamp.
His performances for Guingamp in 2016/17 attracted interest from Lyon and he made a permanent move to France for €4.5million in 2017.
In three seasons with Lyon Marcal has been a much-used squad player, playing in 68 matches in total. He boasts European experience having plied his trade in the Champions League in the past two campaigns and helped Lyon reach the last-four in 2019/20.
Where does he play?
Nuno Espirito Santo's opinion of Marcal will no doubt have been formed over much more than 90 minutes of football but his showing in Lyon's quarter-final win over Manchester City in August offers an insight into why Wolves want him.
Marcal is ordinarily a left-back and will most likely provide competition for Ruben Vinagre at left wing-back while Jonny Castro Otto recovers from a long-term knee injury.
But he played on the left of a back three in Lyon's 3-1 win over City and was among the best players on the pitch.
French newspaper L'Equipe, famous for being harsh markers, gave Marcal a seven in their player ratings the following day. Only two Lyon players - Houssem Aouar (9) and Maxence Caqueret (8) - scored higher than the Brazilian.
In a small squad where players are required to operate in two systems and more than one position, Marcal could prove to be a very useful addition.
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Playing style
Marcal is an aggressive defender who likes to play on the front foot. His disciplinary record last season - eight bookings and three red cards in 22 games - suggests as much.
He's comfortable on the ball and possesses the physical qualities to play either centre-back or left wing-back.
He was part of a Lyon team which secured some memorable results last term including clean sheets against Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain - no mean feat when you consider the class those two clubs have in attack.
Lyon reaction
Marcal appears to be highly thought of by Lyon's supporters, some of whom have been commenting on his impending exit on social media.
@adri1_OL_: "In addition to being an excellent defender, he put Ronaldo and De Bruyne in his pocket in UCL."
@nico_LGY: "Pretty decent CB in a back three, quick, mobile, good passing ability, can also play left-back. His versatility will make him a good squad player."


birminghammail--2020-09-06--Murder probe launched after one man killed and seven injured in city centre

A man was killed and seven injured after a series of stabbings in Birmingham city centre .
A murder investigation has been launched after violence erupted on Sunday , September 6 .
Police say one man died , while another man and a woman suffered serious injures .
Five others were also injured but West Midlands Police said they are not thought to be in life-threatening conditions .
It 's believed the incidents , which took place between 12.30am and 2.20am , are linked .
A number of scenes across the city have been cordoned off , including Livery Street @ @ @ @ @ @ @ West Midlands Police is now urging witnesses or anyone who has any CCTV or mobile phone footage to come forward .
Chief Superintendent Steve Graham , responsible for policing in Birmingham , said : “ The events during the early hours of this morning are tragic , shocking and understandably frightening .
“ Please be assured that we are doing absolutely everything we can to find whoever was responsible and try to understand what exactly happened .
“ We have well-rehearsed plans for dealing with major incidents .
Your safety is always our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ll see an increase in officers on the streets .
“ In the meantime , we ’ d ask anyone who ’ s in the city to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious to us.
” West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson , added : “ Last night ’ s events are truly terrible and have shocked the people of Birmingham , the West Midlands and the country .
“ My first thoughts are with the victims and their families at this time .
“ I have every faith in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quickly on this investigation .
“ My thanks also go to the ambulance and hospital staff who are working around the clock to help those who have been injured.
” Anyone with information is asked to contact police via Live Chat at www.west-midlands.police.uk or by calling 101 .

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A man was killed and seven injured after a series of stabbings in Birmingham city centre.
A murder investigation has been launched after violence erupted on Sunday, September 6.
Police say one man died, while another man and a woman suffered serious injures.
Five others were also injured but West Midlands Police said they are not thought to be in life-threatening conditions.
It's believed the incidents, which took place between 12.30am and 2.20am, are linked.
(Image: Darren Quinton)
A number of scenes across the city have been cordoned off, including Livery Street, Irving Street and Hurst Street.
Follow our blog here
West Midlands Police is now urging witnesses or anyone who has any CCTV or mobile phone footage to come forward.
Chief Superintendent Steve Graham, responsible for policing in Birmingham, said: “The events during the early hours of this morning are tragic, shocking and understandably frightening.
“Please be assured that we are doing absolutely everything we can to find whoever was responsible and try to understand what exactly happened.
“We have well-rehearsed plans for dealing with major incidents. Your safety is always our priority and that’s why you’ll see an increase in officers on the streets.
“In the meantime, we’d ask anyone who’s in the city to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious to us.”
West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson, added: “Last night’s events are truly terrible and have shocked the people of Birmingham, the West Midlands and the country.
“My first thoughts are with the victims and their families at this time.
“I have every faith in West Midlands Police who are working extremely quickly on this investigation.
“My thanks also go to the ambulance and hospital staff who are working around the clock to help those who have been injured.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police via Live Chat at www.west-midlands.police.uk or by calling 101.


birminghammail--2020-09-06--'Definitely' - Troy Deeney fires message amid West Brom links

Troy Deeney insists he ’ s ready for another crack at the Premier League after struggling with injuries throughout Watford ’ s relegation season .
The striker , who has been at Vicarage Road since 2010 when he joined from Walsall , is of interest to West Brom ahead of the new campaign ; Albion ’ s desire to strengthen their forward line is well documented and Deeney could be an option , even as part of a loan arrangement with the Hornets .
Karlan Grant and Michy Batshuayi are on the shortlist too , but Deeney ’ s message @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the top flight .
Make sure you do n't miss a thing - click here to sign up to our Albion newsletter Now 32 , he bagged 10 goals in just 27 league appearances last term and believes if any top flight club was to take a punt on him ahead of the new season , they ’ d be getting a player who is fully fit and ready to go .
“ I definitely still see myself as a Premier League striker , ” Deeney told the Sun .
“ I scored @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Now I ’ m over my knee troubles .
I ’ m back on two legs .
“ I got ten in the league from 27 games , which was not a bad return .
I know it includes penalties but Bruno Fernandes scores penalties as well at Man United .
“ I ’ m not comparing myself to Fernandes but I ’ ve scored the opportunities presented to me .
How many did Sebastien Haller get last year for West Ham ?
Six or seven .
Or Joelinton for Newcastle ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ : these are £40million players and I only cost £300,000 .
My time ’ s not up .
“ They haven ’ t given me a definitive ‘ you can go ’ but I ’ ve seen plenty in the papers saying they wouldn ’ t mind me going .
Even if it ’ s for a year on loan .
“ I ’ m a Watford player until I ’ m told otherwise .
I ’ m not one who ’ s going to be putting in transfer requests , or bashing @ @ @ @ @

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Troy Deeney insists he’s ready for another crack at the Premier League after struggling with injuries throughout Watford’s relegation season.
The striker, who has been at Vicarage Road since 2010 when he joined from Walsall, is of interest to West Brom ahead of the new campaign; Albion’s desire to strengthen their forward line is well documented and Deeney could be an option, even as part of a loan arrangement with the Hornets.
Karlan Grant and Michy Batshuayi are on the shortlist too, but Deeney’s message is plain - I still belong in the top flight.
Make sure you don't miss a thing - click here to sign up to our Albion newsletter
Now 32, he bagged 10 goals in just 27 league appearances last term and believes if any top flight club was to take a punt on him ahead of the new season, they’d be getting a player who is fully fit and ready to go.
“I definitely still see myself as a Premier League striker,” Deeney told the Sun. “I scored double figures last season on one leg. Now I’m over my knee troubles. I’m back on two legs.
“I got ten in the league from 27 games, which was not a bad return. I know it includes penalties but Bruno Fernandes scores penalties as well at Man United.
“I’m not comparing myself to Fernandes but I’ve scored the opportunities presented to me. How many did Sebastien Haller get last year for West Ham? Six or seven. Or Joelinton for Newcastle? Two.
“Put it into context: these are £40million players and I only cost £300,000. My time’s not up.
“They haven’t given me a definitive ‘you can go’ but I’ve seen plenty in the papers saying they wouldn’t mind me going. Even if it’s for a year on loan.
“I’m a Watford player until I’m told otherwise. I’m not one who’s going to be putting in transfer requests, or bashing the door down.”


birminghammail--2020-09-06--Live updates from police conference after city centre major incident declared

West Midlands Police have confirmed that one man has died and seven other people have been injured in a major @ @ @ @ @ force spokesman earlier said emergency services were called to reports of a stabbing at around @ @ @ @ @ other stabbings were reported in the area shortly afterwards .
The latest from police read @ @ @ @ @ incidents , which took place between 12:30am and 2:20am , are linked and we ’ @ @ @ @ @ to find whoever was responsible .
`` Detectives are following a number of lines of @ @ @ @ @ increased our uniformed and armed response in the city . ''
A number of road @ @ @ @ @ across the city centre and people are being warned to 'remain vigilant ' and avoid @ @ @ @ @ a breaking news blog - stay with us while we bring you updates from the @ @ @

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Charlotte Paxton, Stephanie Balloo)

The man stabbed to death in a series of knife attacks in Birmingham city centre was visiting from Liverpool, police have revealed.
Jacob Billington, who was just 23, was stabbed in Irving Street as he enjoyed a night out with old school friends visiting a pal who was studying in Birmingham, early on Sunday morning.
Another friend, also 23, was seriously injured and remains in hospital in a critical condition.
The pair were among eight people stabbed as the attacker rampaged through the city centre in the early hours of Sunday, September 6.
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In a tribute, Mr Billington's family said: "He was a funny, caring and wonderful person who was loved by every single person he met."
A man aged 30 and a woman of 22 remained critically ill in hospital on Monday. They were attacked at separate locations in Livery Street and Hurst Street respectively.
Four others, three men and a woman, were also injured.
A man, aged 27, arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder at an address in Selly Oak early on Monday, was still in custody tonight.
Three other people, two men and a woman, were arrested from the same address on suspicion of assisting an offender.
This is a breaking news blog - stay with us while we bring you updates from the police press conference


birminghammail--2020-09-06--Aston Villa transfer news live

Aston Villa transfer news live

Hello and welcome to LIVE Aston Villa coverage from BirminghamLive on Sunday , September 6 .
We will be keeping you informed on all the key developments across today as Villa 's transfer window gathers pace and the new season draws closer .
We will be adding all the latest Villa news , views and rumours to our live blog throughout the day , with new signings and transfers continually linked to the club .
Matty Cash has arrived from Nottingham Forest to become the club 's first senior signing of the window .
Brentford striker Ollie Watkins remains a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have n't yet been able to force through a deal .
Bournemouth 's Callum Wilson is also on Villa 's radar as they chase multiple attacking reinforcements .
Manchester United 's back-up goalkeeper Sergio Romero has also been touted for a move to Villa Park for around £10 million , with Smith keen to add cover given Tom Heaton 's long lay-off .
Last week we heard from Smith down at Villa 's training camp in Wales , and he said of new arrivals : `` Wheels are in motion , that was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sit down with Johan ( Lange ) and strategically plan what we are going to do . ''
So stay with us for today 's transfer blog and be sure to check back for all the latest Villa transfer news and opinion .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Joseph Chapman, Alex Dicken)

Hello and welcome to LIVE Aston Villa coverage from BirminghamLive on Wednesday, September 9.
We will be keeping you informed on all the key developments across today as Villa's transfer window gathers pace and the new season draws closer.
We will be adding all the latest Villa news, views and rumours to our live blog throughout the day, with new signings and transfers continually linked to the club.
Matty Cash arrived from Nottingham Forest to become the club's first senior signing of the window and Brentford striker Ollie Watkins completed his £28m switch to Villa Park on Wednesday.
Arsenal goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has also been touted for a move with Dean Smith keen to add cover given Tom Heaton's long lay-off.
So stay with us for today's transfer blog and be sure to check back for all the latest Villa transfer news and opinion.


birminghammail--2020-09-06--Chelsea's plan for Michy Batshuayi amid West Brom transfer links

Chelsea will ensure they don ’ t lose Michy Batshuayi for nothing in 12 months by offering the Belgian a new contract this summer - before they loan him out .
The striker , 26 , sees his current deal at Stamford Bridge expire next year but , despite the fact that he is behind Timo Werner , Tammy Abraham and Olivier Giroud in Frank Lampard ’ s attacking pecking order , there are plans in place at the club to present him with fresh - and improved - terms , according to the Sun .
Make sure you do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to sign up to our Albion newsletter Batshuayi will be offered a new deal and then shipped out on another loan spell - he ’ s previously spent time at Crystal Palace , Valencia and Borussia Dortmund .
West Brom are believed to be interested in borrowing Batshuayi for the coming term , though Palace themselves are keen to strike up a similar deal to the one they enjoyed in 2019 .
The Londoners , who beat Albion to the signing of Eberechi Eze earlier this summer , also want Blues youngster Conor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dictate that clubs can not loan more than one player for any given club .
Newcastle have also been mentioned as a potential destination for Batshuayi , but the Magpies are closing in on the permanent signing of Bournemouth striker Callum Wilson and also have record signing Joelinton still on their books .
Albion are keen to add a striker as Slaven Bilic leads the club into the new top flight campaign ; Kenneth Zohore is likely to be on his way out of The Hawthorns before the transfer window closes at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Grant remains a target , too , while Watford captain Troy Deeney has been mooted as a loan option .

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Chelsea will ensure they don’t lose Michy Batshuayi for nothing in 12 months by offering the Belgian a new contract this summer - before they loan him out.
The striker, 26, sees his current deal at Stamford Bridge expire next year but, despite the fact that he is behind Timo Werner, Tammy Abraham and Olivier Giroud in Frank Lampard’s attacking pecking order, there are plans in place at the club to present him with fresh - and improved - terms, according to the Sun.
Make sure you don't miss a thing - click here to sign up to our Albion newsletter
Batshuayi will be offered a new deal and then shipped out on another loan spell - he’s previously spent time at Crystal Palace, Valencia and Borussia Dortmund.
West Brom are believed to be interested in borrowing Batshuayi for the coming term, though Palace themselves are keen to strike up a similar deal to the one they enjoyed in 2019.
The Londoners, who beat Albion to the signing of Eberechi Eze earlier this summer, also want Blues youngster Conor Gallagher however - and Premier League rules dictate that clubs cannot loan more than one player for any given club.
Newcastle have also been mentioned as a potential destination for Batshuayi, but the Magpies are closing in on the permanent signing of Bournemouth striker Callum Wilson and also have record signing Joelinton still on their books.
Albion are keen to add a striker as Slaven Bilic leads the club into the new top flight campaign; Kenneth Zohore is likely to be on his way out of The Hawthorns before the transfer window closes at the beginning of October.
Huddersfield striker Karlan Grant remains a target, too, while Watford captain Troy Deeney has been mooted as a loan option.


birminghammail--2020-09-06--The one positive to come out of Birmingham City's Carabao Cup defeat

The Aitor Karanka era started with a disappointing Carabao Cup exit at the hands of a well-organised Cambridge United team .
Birmingham City lost to an 18th minute Robbie Cundy goal in what was Karanka ’ s first game as head coach .
Jeremie Bela struck the crossbar soon after but that was about as close as his team came to equalising .
Here ’ s what stood out on an underwhelming afternoon .
What is says on the tin makes grim reading .
Beaten at home by a League Two side playing its first game since March .
However @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the application of a little context .
Not excuses but factors in mitigation .
Aitor Karanka ’ s point about the team suffering a hangover from last season is interesting .
Cambridge haven ’ t played since March 7 – Blues haven ’ t won since February 11 , when Jude Bellingham and Scott Hogan were still a thing .
Self belief has been eroded to the point where Karanka correctly identified a seeming acceptance of fate once the goal went in .
But the ‘ we ’ ve been here before ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tangible and only exacerbated by the knowledge that goals were always going to be hard to come by without an established , senior striker in the team .
Cambridge didn ’ t really offer anything in attack – but once they got their goal they didn ’ t need to .
Two deep banks of four and inexperienced opponents meant the most of the match passed comfortably in front of them .
All of which leads us to the acknowledgement that while Blues looked solid and stable in defence and deserved a draw @ @ @ @ @ @ @ match to be won , a deficit to erase , an initiative to seize , they were once again deficient .
Other than during that season under Garry Monk it ’ s been that way for most of the last five years .
Blues have been better without the ball than with it .
It was the glass ceiling through which Gary Rowett couldn ’ t break – and the one which Karanka has been brought in to smash .
But he won ’ t do it overnight and he will need better @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to his predecessor .
The ability to score a goal out of nothing , or convert the only chance of a game , is what will start to chip away at that glass ceiling .
Confidence levels will rise , self-esteem will improve , the ability to resist adversity will burgeon and the negative cycle will slowly become a virtuous circle .
At least that ’ s the intention .
Sign up to our Birmingham City newsletter here Andres Prieto ’ s mistake will do nothing to engender confidence – and as much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , so too is another No .
1 .
The Spaniard had looked OK at Tottenham but in truth Spurs hardly peppered his goal other than one save from Ryan Sessegnon .
Similarly Jose Mourinho ’ s men didn ’ t pump balls into the box or throw bodies at set-pieces – something that is going to happen nearly every week in the Championship .
Just as we didn ’ t anoint Prieto the second coming of Butland , Hart , Foster or Taylor , neither should we dismiss the 25-year-old on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even though he could have caught Cundy ’ s header in one hand had he stayed on his line .
But he does have to learn from it in the way that good goalkeepers do .
David de Gea and Peter Schmeichel both looked like rabbits in the headlights of English football in their early days , before developing and learning to cope .
Prieto must do likewise – and do so with another senior goalkeeper alongside him – that way rookie back-up Zach Jeacock can avoid the Connal Trueman trap by finding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his parent club .
But it starts with investment up front .
And now for that positive .
Adam Clayton ’ s impact was immediately obvious .
Within three minutes of coming on the former Boro midfielder had played two forward passes to get the team on the front-foot .
One cross-field ball out to Maxime Colin invited the full back forward , a second threaded through midfield picked out Charlie Lakin on the edge of the box .
Indeed in just a quarter of a match Clayton looked to have as much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of his team-mates .
He ’ d only been on the field ten minutes when Karanka called him over and began issuing instructions .
It won ’ t be too long before he becomes a key player for the new head coach .

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The Aitor Karanka era started with a disappointing Carabao Cup exit at the hands of a well-organised Cambridge United team.
Birmingham City lost to an 18th minute Robbie Cundy goal in what was Karanka’s first game as head coach.
Jeremie Bela struck the crossbar soon after but that was about as close as his team came to equalising.
Here’s what stood out on an underwhelming afternoon.
Birmingham City 0 Cambridge United 1
What is says on the tin makes grim reading. Beaten at home by a League Two side playing its first game since March.
However, the contents of the tin require the application of a little context. Not excuses but factors in mitigation.
Aitor Karanka’s point about the team suffering a hangover from last season is interesting.
Cambridge haven’t played since March 7 – Blues haven’t won since February 11, when Jude Bellingham and Scott Hogan were still a thing.
Self belief has been eroded to the point where Karanka correctly identified a seeming acceptance of fate once the goal went in.
But the ‘we’ve been here before’ torpor which descended after the goal was tangible and only exacerbated by the knowledge that goals were always going to be hard to come by without an established, senior striker in the team.
Cambridge didn’t really offer anything in attack – but once they got their goal they didn’t need to. Two deep banks of four and inexperienced opponents meant the most of the match passed comfortably in front of them.
Back to the future
All of which leads us to the acknowledgement that while Blues looked solid and stable in defence and deserved a draw at Tottenham, when there was a match to be won, a deficit to erase, an initiative to seize, they were once again deficient.
Other than during that season under Garry Monk it’s been that way for most of the last five years. Blues have been better without the ball than with it.
It was the glass ceiling through which Gary Rowett couldn’t break – and the one which Karanka has been brought in to smash. But he won’t do it overnight and he will need better and deeper attacking resources than those given to his predecessor.
The ability to score a goal out of nothing, or convert the only chance of a game, is what will start to chip away at that glass ceiling.
Confidence levels will rise, self-esteem will improve, the ability to resist adversity will burgeon and the negative cycle will slowly become a virtuous circle. At least that’s the intention.
Prieto danger
Andres Prieto’s mistake will do nothing to engender confidence – and as much as a striker or two is needed, so too is another No. 1.
The Spaniard had looked OK at Tottenham but in truth Spurs hardly peppered his goal other than one save from Ryan Sessegnon.
Similarly Jose Mourinho’s men didn’t pump balls into the box or throw bodies at set-pieces – something that is going to happen nearly every week in the Championship.
Just as we didn’t anoint Prieto the second coming of Butland, Hart, Foster or Taylor, neither should we dismiss the 25-year-old on the basis of this error of judgement – even though he could have caught Cundy’s header in one hand had he stayed on his line.
But he does have to learn from it in the way that good goalkeepers do. David de Gea and Peter Schmeichel both looked like rabbits in the headlights of English football in their early days, before developing and learning to cope.
Prieto must do likewise – and do so with another senior goalkeeper alongside him – that way rookie back-up Zach Jeacock can avoid the Connal Trueman trap by finding his development stymied on the bench at his parent club.
But it starts with investment up front.
(Image: Darren Quinton/Birmingham Live)
Feat of Clay
And now for that positive.
Adam Clayton’s impact was immediately obvious. Within three minutes of coming on the former Boro midfielder had played two forward passes to get the team on the front-foot.
One cross-field ball out to Maxime Colin invited the full back forward, a second threaded through midfield picked out Charlie Lakin on the edge of the box.
Indeed in just a quarter of a match Clayton looked to have as much impact in an attacking sense as any of his team-mates.
He’d only been on the field ten minutes when Karanka called him over and began issuing instructions. It won’t be too long before he becomes a key player for the new head coach.


birminghammail--2020-09-06--Fernando Marcal drops hint over possible Wolves transfer

The 31-year-old , who can play left-back or on the left side of a back three , helped Lyon reach @ @ @ @ @ season .
He put in an excellent performance in their victory over Manchester City in @ @ @ @ @ part of a defensive trio .
There have been rumours of a move to the @ @ @ @ @ Marcal has now started following Wolves on Instagram .
Marcal has also added an England @ @ @ @ @ includes the colours of every country he has played in throughout his career .
Marcal @ @ @ @ @ last season , picking up eight bookings and three red cards .
After weeks of @ @ @ @ @ has ignited with the club-record £35million signing of Portuguese starlet Fabio Silva from FC Porto @ @ @ @ @ wants to add more quality to his squad with defensive reinforcements his priority .
If @ @ @ @ @ true , Marcal - who joined Lyon from Benfica three years ago - could be @ @ @ @ @ Molineux next season .

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Lyon's Brazilian defender Fernando Marcal has got Wolverhampton Wanderers fans talking.
The 31-year-old, who can play left-back or on the left side of a back three, helped Lyon reach the Champions League semi-finals last season.
He put in an excellent performance in their victory over Manchester City in the quarter-finals while playing as part of a defensive trio.
There have been rumours of a move to the Premier League circulating online and Marcal has now started following Wolves on Instagram.
Marcal has also added an England flag to his bio which includes the colours of every country he has played in throughout his career.
Marcal played 22 times for Lyon last season, picking up eight bookings and three red cards.
After weeks of inactivity Wolves' transfer window has ignited with the club-record £35million signing of Portuguese starlet Fabio Silva from FC Porto.
Nuno Espirito Santo still wants to add more quality to his squad with defensive reinforcements his priority.
If the rumours prove to be true, Marcal - who joined Lyon from Benfica three years ago - could be a useful squad player at Molineux next season.


birminghammail--2020-09-06--Villa's striker hunt continues as Wilson looks set for Newcastle

Newcastle United look to have won the race for Callum Wilson after Bournemouth accepted a £20m bid for the striker despite interest from Aston Villa .
It emerged this weekend that England international Wilson ’ s preference was to join Newcastle , and so Villa have reportedly withdrawn their offer and their interest .
The Cherries have now permitted Wilson to discuss personal terms with the Magpies having agreed a fee for the player .
Make sure you do n't miss a thing - click here to sign up to our Villa newsletter There was a suggestion that the North @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Matt Ritchie as part of the deal to land Wilson , but that ’ s not the case - indeed their offer is actually lower than Villa ’ s , but Bournemouth have granted Wilson his desire to speak with Newcastle .
Steve Bruce confirmed this weekend that Dwight Gayle could be absent with an injury for as long as four months , and that news accelerated Newcastle ’ s attempts to find a fresh forward option .
It does mean that Villa ’ s search for a new striker will continue ahead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; they ’ re desperate to improve Dean Smith ’ s attacking options which currently consist of January signing Mbwana Samatta , youngster Keinan Davis and the rehabilitating Wesley Moraes .
Ollie Watkins remains on their list of targets with Villa ’ s interest already well documented , but it appears as though Wilson can be removed that list .

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Newcastle United look to have won the race for Callum Wilson after Bournemouth accepted a £20m bid for the striker despite interest from Aston Villa.
It emerged this weekend that England international Wilson’s preference was to join Newcastle, and so Villa have reportedly withdrawn their offer and their interest. The Cherries have now permitted Wilson to discuss personal terms with the Magpies having agreed a fee for the player.
Make sure you don't miss a thing - click here to sign up to our Villa newsletter
There was a suggestion that the North East club might’ve offered winger Matt Ritchie as part of the deal to land Wilson, but that’s not the case - indeed their offer is actually lower than Villa’s, but Bournemouth have granted Wilson his desire to speak with Newcastle.
Steve Bruce confirmed this weekend that Dwight Gayle could be absent with an injury for as long as four months, and that news accelerated Newcastle’s attempts to find a fresh forward option.
It does mean that Villa’s search for a new striker will continue ahead of the commencing of the 2020-21 season; they’re desperate to improve Dean Smith’s attacking options which currently consist of January signing Mbwana Samatta, youngster Keinan Davis and the rehabilitating Wesley Moraes.
Ollie Watkins remains on their list of targets with Villa’s interest already well documented, but it appears as though Wilson can be removed that list.


birminghammail--2020-09-06--Birmingham city centre stabbings - what we know so far

Police have urged people to 'remain calm , but vigilant ' after multiple stabbings in Birmingham city centre this morning .
West Midlands Police has declared a major incident after one man died and seven other people have been injured during the attack in the early hours of Sunday morning , September 6 .
Emergency services flooded the heart of the city after the reports of the first knife attack at around 12.30am .
The Chinese Quarter and Snow Hill areas have been taped off by police as they continue to investigate exactly what happened .
The public has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ centre as emergency services continue to work at the scene .
Police have now confirmed they have launched a murder investigation following the events in Birmingham city centre overnight .
A man has tragically died .
Another man and a woman have suffered serious injuries and five others have also been injured , although their injuries are not thought to be life-threatening .
Police said they believe the incidents , which took place between 12:30am and 2:20am , are linked and said `` we ’ re doing all we can to find whoever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a number of lines of enquiry and the force has increased their uniformed and armed response in the city .
A spokesman said : `` We continue to hold a number of scenes across the city , including Livery Street , Irving Street and Hurst Street . ''
How many people have been injured ?
A man has tragically died .
Another man and a woman have suffered serious injuries and five others have also been injured , although their injuries are not thought to be life-threatening .
The lower end of Hurst @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been cordoned off by police , as shown by the above photos .
A large blue police tent has been erected on the pavement near to St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Primary School on Irving Street .
A smaller police tent can be seen in the road itself .
A second scene in Edmund Street , Livery Street and the Snow Hill area of the city centre is also taped off this morning .
Have there been any arrests ?
West Midlands Police confirmed there have been no arrests in relation to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a number of rumours circulating on social media - with police quick to comment .
West Midlands Police said they 're aware of social media footage showing a man being arrested by firearms officers on Colmore Row .
At around 8am , a man was seen surrounded by armed police as they carried out a gunpoint arrest .
The force confirmed the arrest is NOT connected to last night 's incidents .
They also said 'we 're aware of some comments that gunshots were fired , this has not been reported to us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ West Midlands Police said ?
This is the first statement from West Midlands Police at approximately 6am this morning .
A spokesman said : '' We can confirm that at approximately 12:30am today ( Sunday 6 September ) we were called to reports of a stabbing in Birmingham city centre .
`` We immediately attended , along with colleagues from the ambulance service .
A number of other stabbings were reported in the area shortly after .
`` We are aware of a number of injured people , but at the moment we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how many or how serious .
However , all emergency services are working together at the scene , and making sure that those who are injured receive medical care .
`` This has been declared a major incident .
`` Work is still going on to establish what has happened , and could take some time before we are in a position to confirm anything .
`` At this early stage it would not be appropriate to speculate on the causes of the incident . ''
This is the second statement from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confirm that we ’ ve launched a murder investigation following the events in Birmingham city centre overnight .
`` A man has tragically died .
Another man and a woman have suffered serious injuries and five others have also been injured , although their injuries are not thought to be life-threatening .
`` We believe the incidents , which took place between 12:30am and 2:20am , are linked and we ’ re doing all we can to find whoever was responsible .
`` Detectives are following a number of lines of enquiry and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ armed response in the city .
`` We continue to hold a number of scenes across the city , including Livery Street , Irving Street and Hurst Street .
`` We ’ re urging anyone who witnessed anything or anyone who has any CCTV or mobile phone footage to get in contact as soon as possible , as the information you have may be crucial to our investigation . ''
Chief Superintendent Steve Graham , responsible for policing in Birmingham , said : “ The events during the early hours of this morning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Please be assured that we are doing absolutely everything we can to find whoever was responsible and try to understand what exactly happened .
“ We have well-rehearsed plans for dealing with major incidents .
Your safety is always our priority and that ’ s why you ’ ll see an increase in officers on the streets .
“ In the meantime , we ’ d ask anyone who ’ s in the city to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious to us.
” The West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ night ’ s events are truly terrible and have shocked the people of Birmingham , the West Midlands and the country .
“ My first thoughts are with the victims and their families at this time .
“ I have every faith in West Midlands Police who are working extremely quickly on this investigation .
“ My thanks also go to the ambulance and hospital staff who are working around the clock to help those who have been injured.
” Anyone with information is asked to contact us via Live Chat on our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are in danger please call 999 .
What did West Midlands Ambulance Service say ?
This is the statement from West Midlands Ambulance Service : '' A large number of ambulance resources were sent to Birmingham City Centre overnight after a series on stabbing incidents .
`` We received multiple calls to three locations over a period of an hour and twenty minutes .
The initial call was to the junction of Colmore Row / Livery Street at 12.40am , with further incident sites at Irving Street at 1.52am and Hurst Street at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ambulances were sent to the scene along with eleven paramedic officers , the Hazardous Area Response Team , four critical care teams with doctors and critical care paramedics .
`` A team of St John Ambulance volunteers at the SafeSpace project at the Arcadian were also involved in treating casualties and conveyed one of the patients .
• Five patients were taken to the major trauma centre at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham .
Three had suffered critical injuries and sadly , a man died shortly after arrival .
• Two further patients with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Heartlands Hospital for treatment .
`` An eighth patient with minor injuries did not receive ambulance treatment .
`` The Trust went to major incident standby with further ambulances sent to standby in the area should they have been needed .
Senior officers including the Chief Executive also attended Trust Headquarters to co-ordinate the Trust response . ''
Assistant Chief Ambulance Officer , Nathan Hudson , said : “ This was clearly a very serious situation with a large number of patients , some with very serious injuries .
“ My thoughts are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ particularly of the man who tragically lost his life .
“ I must pay tribute to the ambulance staff who worked so hard at the scene and en-route to hospital , to help each of the patients hurt .
“ We train for incidents like this on a regular basis which meant that we were able to get a large number of ambulance resources into the scene very rapidly so that patients got the care they needed as quickly as possible .
”

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From skyscrapers to HS2, get the latest on Birmingham's biggest developments as the city skyline continues to evolve
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From skyscrapers to HS2, get the latest on Birmingham's biggest developments as the city skyline continues to evolve
Police have urged people to 'remain calm, but vigilant' after multiple stabbings in Birmingham city centre this morning.
West Midlands Police has declared a major incident after one man died and seven other people have been injured during the attack in the early hours of Sunday morning, September 6.
Emergency services flooded the heart of the city after the reports of the first knife attack at around 12.30am.
The Chinese Quarter and Snow Hill areas have been taped off by police as they continue to investigate exactly what happened.
The public has been urged to stay away from the city centre as emergency services continue to work at the scene.
What happened?
Police have now confirmed they have launched a murder investigation following the events in Birmingham city centre overnight.
A man has tragically died. Another man and a woman have suffered serious injuries and five others have also been injured, although their injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.
(Image: Darren Quinton)
Police said they believe the incidents, which took place between 12:30am and 2:20am, are linked and said "we’re doing all we can to find whoever was responsible".
Detectives are following a number of lines of enquiry and the force has increased their uniformed and armed response in the city.
A spokesman said: "We continue to hold a number of scenes across the city, including Livery Street, Irving Street and Hurst Street."
How many people have been injured?
A man has tragically died. Another man and a woman have suffered serious injuries and five others have also been injured, although their injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.
Which streets are closed?
(Image: Darren Quinton)
The lower end of Hurst Street at the junction of Bromsgrove Street has been cordoned off by police, as shown by the above photos.
A large blue police tent has been erected on the pavement near to St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Primary School on Irving Street. A smaller police tent can be seen in the road itself.
A second scene in Edmund Street, Livery Street and the Snow Hill area of the city centre is also taped off this morning.
Have there been any arrests?
West Midlands Police confirmed there have been no arrests in relation to the major incident.
Social media reports
There have been a number of rumours circulating on social media - with police quick to comment.
West Midlands Police said they're aware of social media footage showing a man being arrested by firearms officers on Colmore Row. At around 8am, a man was seen surrounded by armed police as they carried out a gunpoint arrest.
The force confirmed the arrest is NOT connected to last night's incidents.
They also said 'we're aware of some comments that gunshots were fired, this has not been reported to us at this stage'.
What has West Midlands Police said?
This is the first statement from West Midlands Police at approximately 6am this morning.
A spokesman said:"We can confirm that at approximately 12:30am today (Sunday 6 September) we were called to reports of a stabbing in Birmingham city centre.
"We immediately attended, along with colleagues from the ambulance service. A number of other stabbings were reported in the area shortly after.
"We are aware of a number of injured people, but at the moment we are not in a position to say how many or how serious. However, all emergency services are working together at the scene, and making sure that those who are injured receive medical care.
"This has been declared a major incident.
"Work is still going on to establish what has happened, and could take some time before we are in a position to confirm anything.
"At this early stage it would not be appropriate to speculate on the causes of the incident."
This is the second statement from the force at 11am
"We can now confirm that we’ve launched a murder investigation following the events in Birmingham city centre overnight.
"A man has tragically died. Another man and a woman have suffered serious injuries and five others have also been injured, although their injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.
"We believe the incidents, which took place between 12:30am and 2:20am, are linked and we’re doing all we can to find whoever was responsible.
"Detectives are following a number of lines of enquiry and we’ve increased our uniformed and armed response in the city.
"We continue to hold a number of scenes across the city, including Livery Street, Irving Street and Hurst Street.
"We’re urging anyone who witnessed anything or anyone who has any CCTV or mobile phone footage to get in contact as soon as possible, as the information you have may be crucial to our investigation."
Chief Superintendent Steve Graham, responsible for policing in Birmingham, said: “The events during the early hours of this morning are tragic, shocking and understandably frightening.
(Image: Darren Quinton)
“Please be assured that we are doing absolutely everything we can to find whoever was responsible and try to understand what exactly happened.
“We have well-rehearsed plans for dealing with major incidents. Your safety is always our priority and that’s why you’ll see an increase in officers on the streets.
“In the meantime, we’d ask anyone who’s in the city to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious to us.”
The West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson, said: “Last night’s events are truly terrible and have shocked the people of Birmingham, the West Midlands and the country.
“My first thoughts are with the victims and their families at this time.
“I have every faith in West Midlands Police who are working extremely quickly on this investigation.
“My thanks also go to the ambulance and hospital staff who are working around the clock to help those who have been injured.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact us via Live Chat on our website or call 101. If you are in danger please call 999.
What did West Midlands Ambulance Service say?
This is the statement from West Midlands Ambulance Service:
"A large number of ambulance resources were sent to Birmingham City Centre overnight after a series on stabbing incidents.
"We received multiple calls to three locations over a period of an hour and twenty minutes. The initial call was to the junction of Colmore Row / Livery Street at 12.40am, with further incident sites at Irving Street at 1.52am and Hurst Street at 2.00am.
"A total of 14 ambulances were sent to the scene along with eleven paramedic officers, the Hazardous Area Response Team, four critical care teams with doctors and critical care paramedics.
"A team of St John Ambulance volunteers at the SafeSpace project at the Arcadian were also involved in treating casualties and conveyed one of the patients.
"Ambulance staff treated a total of seven patients:
• Five patients were taken to the major trauma centre at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham. Three had suffered critical injuries and sadly, a man died shortly after arrival.
• Two further patients with non life-threatening injuries were also taken to Heartlands Hospital for treatment.
"An eighth patient with minor injuries did not receive ambulance treatment.
"The Trust went to major incident standby with further ambulances sent to standby in the area should they have been needed. Senior officers including the Chief Executive also attended Trust Headquarters to co-ordinate the Trust response."
Assistant Chief Ambulance Officer, Nathan Hudson, said: “This was clearly a very serious situation with a large number of patients, some with very serious injuries.
“My thoughts are with the families of those hurt, particularly of the man who tragically lost his life.
“I must pay tribute to the ambulance staff who worked so hard at the scene and en-route to hospital, to help each of the patients hurt.
“We train for incidents like this on a regular basis which meant that we were able to get a large number of ambulance resources into the scene very rapidly so that patients got the care they needed as quickly as possible.”


birminghammail--2020-09-06--Aston Villa and Manchester United hatch friendly plan - reports

Aston Villa will play Manchester United in a final friendly match before both clubs begin their respective Premier League campaigns , according to reports .
Villa are due kick off their new season against Sheffield United at Villa Park on September 20 - a full week after most other sides do .
The reason for this is that Manchester City , the first side Villa were scheduled to face when the fixtures were released last month , have been granted extra time off because of their Champions League exploits that ran deep into the month of August .
Make sure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ click here to sign up to our Villa newsletter City rivals United , as well as fellow European competitors Wolves and Chelsea , were also permitted a later start to the campaign - meaning that Burnley , United ’ s planned opening day opponents , are in the same boat as Villa .
Now , the Daily Star claims that United and Villa will face off against one another as their top flight rivals get the new season underway next weekend .
Burnley , meanwhile , have been left wondering why their game @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take place at Turf Moor - can ’ t go ahead ; they must wait a further week to get going when they visit Leicester City .
Meanwhile , Villa picked up where they left off against Arsenal - by beating the Gunners in a pre-season training match ahead of the new Premier League season on Saturday .
This was Villa ’ s third training test - with Dean Smith ’ s side beating Wycombe Wanderers and drawing against Bristol City as they prepare for the upcoming top-tier campaign .
Despite the lack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ match ’ s timing - Villa overcame Arsenal 3-2 .
Both sides used younger teams - with a few key stars taking part .
Despite that , Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang scored twice , but that wasn ’ t enough to beat Villa .
Youngster Jacob Ramsey scored twice - his first goals for Villa ’ s senior team - and Douglas Luiz popped up with a goal to ensure a Villa triumph .
The match was played behind closed doors - as is the new norm .

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Aston Villa will play Manchester United in a final friendly match before both clubs begin their respective Premier League campaigns, according to reports.
Villa are due kick off their new season against Sheffield United at Villa Park on September 20 - a full week after most other sides do.
The reason for this is that Manchester City, the first side Villa were scheduled to face when the fixtures were released last month, have been granted extra time off because of their Champions League exploits that ran deep into the month of August.
Make sure you don't miss a thing - click here to sign up to our Villa newsletter
City rivals United, as well as fellow European competitors Wolves and Chelsea, were also permitted a later start to the campaign - meaning that Burnley, United’s planned opening day opponents, are in the same boat as Villa.
Now, the Daily Star claims that United and Villa will face off against one another as their top flight rivals get the new season underway next weekend.
Burnley, meanwhile, have been left wondering why their game against the Red Devils - meant to take place at Turf Moor - can’t go ahead; they must wait a further week to get going when they visit Leicester City.
Meanwhile, Villa picked up where they left off against Arsenal - by beating the Gunners in a pre-season training match ahead of the new Premier League season on Saturday.
This was Villa’s third training test - with Dean Smith’s side beating Wycombe Wanderers and drawing against Bristol City as they prepare for the upcoming top-tier campaign.
Despite the lack of international talent - due to the match’s timing - Villa overcame Arsenal 3-2.
Both sides used younger teams - with a few key stars taking part.
Despite that, Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang scored twice, but that wasn’t enough to beat Villa.
Youngster Jacob Ramsey scored twice - his first goals for Villa’s senior team - and Douglas Luiz popped up with a goal to ensure a Villa triumph.
The match was played behind closed doors - as is the new norm.