birminghammail--2020-08-21--Where Birmingham City are predicted to finish in 2020/21 Championship table

It is now just a few weeks to go until the new season in the Championship begins and excitement has increased significantly since the full release of the schedule on Friday .
A new season means a blank slate for every team in the Championship , although the exception this year is Sheffield Wednesday who begin the campaign with a 12-point deficit .
Predicting just how the season will pan out is an extremely difficult task , particularly in a league as challenging as the Championship , but data-crunching experts have done exactly that .
A supercomputer from has worked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ standings in the Championship , based on factoring a range of the most informative betting markets in terms of influencing the final outcome of the season including league winner , odds to finish in the top six and relegation odds .
According to that data , Watford will clinch an immediate return to the Premier League by winning the title and Brentford , having suffered defeat in the playoff final last term , will land automatic promotion courtesy of a second-place finish .
Norwich City and Bournemouth are tipped to secure a spot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Cardiff City - with the former looking for significantly better fortunes this term than they encountered last season .
Nottingham Forest , Middlesbrough and Swansea City are all being backed as contenders for a top-six finish , although it is expected the trio will eventually finish short of sealing a spot in the playoffs .
At the other end of the spectrum , League One winners Coventry City are expected to avoid relegation but the same isn ’ t the case for Rotherham United and Wycombe Wanderers , who are expected to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Town , having completed a great escape last season , are backed to narrowly avoid the drop once again , with the final relegation spot taken by Sheffield Wednesday - who are predicted to be unable to fight back from their 12-point deficit .

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It is now just a few weeks to go until the new season in the Championship begins and excitement has increased significantly since the full release of the schedule on Friday.
A new season means a blank slate for every team in the Championship, although the exception this year is Sheffield Wednesday who begin the campaign with a 12-point deficit.
Predicting just how the season will pan out is an extremely difficult task, particularly in a league as challenging as the Championship, but data-crunching experts have done exactly that.
A supercomputer from unikrn's has worked out a predicted table for the final standings in the Championship, based on factoring a range of the most informative betting markets in terms of influencing the final outcome of the season including league winner, odds to finish in the top six and relegation odds.
According to that data, Watford will clinch an immediate return to the Premier League by winning the title and Brentford, having suffered defeat in the playoff final last term, will land automatic promotion courtesy of a second-place finish.
Norwich City and Bournemouth are tipped to secure a spot in the playoffs, alongside Stoke City and Cardiff City - with the former looking for significantly better fortunes this term than they encountered last season.
Nottingham Forest, Middlesbrough and Swansea City are all being backed as contenders for a top-six finish, although it is expected the trio will eventually finish short of sealing a spot in the playoffs.
At the other end of the spectrum, League One winners Coventry City are expected to avoid relegation but the same isn’t the case for Rotherham United and Wycombe Wanderers, who are expected to drop down to the third-tier.
Luton Town, having completed a great escape last season, are backed to narrowly avoid the drop once again, with the final relegation spot taken by Sheffield Wednesday - who are predicted to be unable to fight back from their 12-point deficit.
2020/21 predicted table
1. Watford
2. Brentford
3. Norwich City
4. Bournemouth
5. Stoke City
6. Cardiff City
7. Nottingham Forest
8. Middlesbrough
9. Swansea City
10. Millwall
11. Preston North End
12. Huddersfield Town
13. Blackburn Rovers
14. Bristol City
15. Barnsley
16. QPR
17. Birmingham City
18. Derby County
19. Reading
20. Coventry City
21. Luton Town
22. Rotherham United
23. Sheffield Wednesday
24. Wycombe Wanderers


birminghammail--2020-08-21--Cat Deeley quits USA and returns to raise kids in UK

Cat Deeley has opted to move back to the UK , according to reports .
The TV star - who is married to Patrick Kielty - is said to have quit Los Angeles , in the United States .
Cat has opted to leave LA after 14 years and wants to move back to London to raise her children in Britain , according to reports today .
The SMTV star moved back to London after living in LA for 14 years for her career .
And sources say it 's a permanent move for the star and her family .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a plush LA suburb , but has put her $ 5million ( £3.8 million ) mansion up for sale .
`` Cat was discussing putting the house up for sale months ago , they did n't want to rent it out because they were considering buying a property in the UK , '' a source told The Sun .
`` This is more of a permanent move . ''
They added : `` She is a household name , and they both made it work in LA , but Patrick gets a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she could always fly back and forth when the pandemic eases up . ''
Cat was born at Sandwell General Hospital in West Bromwich and grew up in nearby Sutton Coldfield and Great Barr .
Cat and Patrick married in Rome , in Italy , eight years ago and welcomed their first son Milo in 2016 , before having James Patrick two years later .

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Cat Deeley has opted to move back to the UK, according to reports.
The TV star - who is married to Patrick Kielty - is said to have quit Los Angeles, in the United States.
Cat has opted to leave LA after 14 years and wants to move back to London to raise her children in Britain, according to reports today.
The SMTV star moved back to London after living in LA for 14 years for her career.
And sources say it's a permanent move for the star and her family.
The 43-year-old was living in Beverly Hills, a plush LA suburb, but has put her $5million (£3.8 million) mansion up for sale.
"Cat was discussing putting the house up for sale months ago, they didn't want to rent it out because they were considering buying a property in the UK," a source told The Sun.
"This is more of a permanent move."
They added: "She is a household name, and they both made it work in LA, but Patrick gets a lot more work back home, and she could always fly back and forth when the pandemic eases up."
Cat was born at Sandwell General Hospital in West Bromwich and grew up in nearby Sutton Coldfield and Great Barr.
Cat and Patrick married in Rome, in Italy, eight years ago and welcomed their first son Milo in 2016, before having James Patrick two years later.


birminghammail--2020-08-21--5 parts of UK poised to become Covid hotspots predicted by symptoms app

A coronavirus symptom study app has shared the five hotspots in England which could be braced for a spike in Covid-19 .
The five parts of the UK which are poised to become coronavirus hotspots have been predicted by the app - with Blackpool at the top of the list .
Nowhere in the West Midlands is included , the app says , as Birmingham enters a crucial weekend in its bid to stave off a local lockdown .
But in the East Midlands , Nottinghamshire is included , with Dundee , Merthyr Tydfil , and Halton completing the top @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some of the highest coronavirus symptom rates in the country , according to an app .
But none of these places are on local lockdown .
Manchester , Kirklees , Rochdale , Salford and Blackburn with Darwen , five places currently hit with restrictions , are the other hardest-hit areas , Tim Spector , professor of genetic epidemiology at King 's College London , which developed the app , said : “ The trends are flat which is reassuring despite the multiple small outbreaks we have been seeing across the UK in places @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is consistent with the ONS household survey , which estimates slightly higher numbers due to the inclusion of asymptomatic cases . ''
In Birmingham , the rate of cases is currently around 30 per 100,000 people .
The Covid Symptom Study app has been downloaded by over 3.9 million people and the latest figures are based on 8,798 swab tests done between August 2 and August 15 .
The app figures show there were on average 1,265 new cases every day in the UK over the two-week period , with 20,299 currently suffering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deadly bug , which has killed over 46,000 Brits in hospitals , include a loss of taste or smell - which is said to be sudden - as well as a high temperature or a fever .

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A coronavirus symptom study app has shared the five hotspots in England which could be braced for a spike in Covid-19.
The five parts of the UK which are poised to become coronavirus hotspots have been predicted by the app - with Blackpool at the top of the list.
Nowhere in the West Midlands is included, the app says, as Birmingham enters a crucial weekend in its bid to stave off a local lockdown.
But in the East Midlands, Nottinghamshire is included, with Dundee, Merthyr Tydfil, and Halton completing the top five.
The five places are reporting some of the highest coronavirus symptom rates in the country, according to an app.
But none of these places are on local lockdown.
Manchester, Kirklees, Rochdale, Salford and Blackburn with Darwen, five places currently hit with restrictions, are the other hardest-hit areas,
Tim Spector, professor of genetic epidemiology at King's College London, which developed the app, said: “The trends are flat which is reassuring despite the multiple small outbreaks we have been seeing across the UK in places like Manchester.
"Our survey data is consistent with the ONS household survey, which estimates slightly higher numbers due to the inclusion of asymptomatic cases."
In Birmingham, the rate of cases is currently around 30 per 100,000 people.
The Covid Symptom Study app has been downloaded by over 3.9 million people and the latest figures are based on 8,798 swab tests done between August 2 and August 15.
The app figures show there were on average 1,265 new cases every day in the UK over the two-week period, with 20,299 currently suffering coronavirus symptoms.
Symptoms of Covid-19 include a persistent, new continuous cough.
Other signs of the deadly bug, which has killed over 46,000 Brits in hospitals, include a loss of taste or smell - which is said to be sudden - as well as a high temperature or a fever.


birminghammail--2020-08-21--Odsonne Edouard's transfer mindset amid links to Aston Villa

Odsonne Edouard continues to be linked with big money moves to the Premier League .
The Celtic striker , 22 , is reportedly on Aston Villa 's radar with head coach Dean Smith desperate to sign a new striker in this transfer window .
Smith currently has Mbwana Samatta and Keinan Davis to choose from , while record signing Wesley has n't played since rupturing his knee ligaments in January .
And Edouard , who scored his 58th goal in his 100th appearance for Celtic in their 6-0 win over Icelandic club KR Reykjavik in Champions League qualifying earlier this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Villa 's list of targets .
Arsenal and Leicester City , managed by former Hoops boss Brendan Rodgers , are also reportedly interested in Edouard , with Celtic said to be demanding £40million for their star man .
It now seems inevitable that Edouard will end up in the Premier League at some stage , but all the speculation has n't gone to his head according to Celtic team-mate James Forrest .
“ The links to other teams is a good thing as you won ’ t get linked with the big @ @ @ @ @ @ @ performances , '' said Forrest .
“ Odsonne enjoys it here .
He has just been his usual self and he looks happy here .
”

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Odsonne Edouard continues to be linked with big money moves to the Premier League.
The Celtic striker, 22, is reportedly on Aston Villa's radar with head coach Dean Smith desperate to sign a new striker in this transfer window.
Smith currently has Mbwana Samatta and Keinan Davis to choose from, while record signing Wesley hasn't played since rupturing his knee ligaments in January.
And Edouard, who scored his 58th goal in his 100th appearance for Celtic in their 6-0 win over Icelandic club KR Reykjavik in Champions League qualifying earlier this week, is said to be high on Villa's list of targets.
Arsenal and Leicester City, managed by former Hoops boss Brendan Rodgers, are also reportedly interested in Edouard, with Celtic said to be demanding £40million for their star man.
It now seems inevitable that Edouard will end up in the Premier League at some stage, but all the speculation hasn't gone to his head according to Celtic team-mate James Forrest.
“The links to other teams is a good thing as you won’t get linked with the big teams if you are not producing big performances," said Forrest.
“Odsonne enjoys it here. He has just been his usual self and he looks happy here.”


birminghammail--2020-08-21--Blues fans all say the same thing after fixtures confirmed

Birmingham City know their schedule for the 2020/21 season after the Championship fixtures were released .
Blues begin their new campaign in the same way they did last year - against Brentford , although this time the match is at St Andrew 's .
Kristian Pedersen got Blues off to the perfect start in August 2019 with a bullet header from outside the box at Griffin Park .
Aitor Karanka 's side then travel to Swansea City before rounding off the opening month at home to Rotherham United , with an early reunion with Wes Harding beckoning .
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Google Play Store and App Store Here 's what Blues fans are saying about the fixture list ... One on social media said : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ever 5 days this - through December it 's a game every 3-4 day .
We need 4-5 quality players through the door before the season starts & 3-4 squad player coming before the end of the window .
Going to be a lot of tired legs this season . ''
Have your say on Blues ' 2020/21 fixtures in our special survey '' That fixture list is solid the start is very tough and the end we need a very good season , '' said another .
A third supporter wrote : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Looking at December we desperately need players through the door .
A game every 3 days for a month . ''
`` Brentford again on the first day of the 2020/21 season .
Will be a tough first game for sure but a great first proper test for Karanka and the squad , '' added another .
While a fifth said : `` On paper this is a difficult start to the season .
If we develop the backbone of our squad early then I will say that we 'll be looking at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wait until October then we will struggle to get many points early on . ''

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Birmingham City know their schedule for the 2020/21 season after the Championship fixtures were released.
Blues begin their new campaign in the same way they did last year - against Brentford, although this time the match is at St Andrew's.
Kristian Pedersen got Blues off to the perfect start in August 2019 with a bullet header from outside the box at Griffin Park.
Aitor Karanka's side then travel to Swansea City before rounding off the opening month at home to Rotherham United, with an early reunion with Wes Harding beckoning.
Sign up to our Birmingham City newsletter for the latest news and comment Why should you sign up? In our daily Birmingham City 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
Here's what Blues fans are saying about the fixture list...
One on social media said: "Tough start. A game on average ever 5 days this - through December it's a game every 3-4 day. We need 4-5 quality players through the door before the season starts & 3-4 squad player coming before the end of the window. Going to be a lot of tired legs this season."
Have your say on Blues' 2020/21 fixtures in our special survey
"That fixture list is solid the start is very tough and the end we need a very good season," said another.
A third supporter wrote: "Difficult start to the season. Looking at December we desperately need players through the door. A game every 3 days for a month."
"Brentford again on the first day of the 2020/21 season. Will be a tough first game for sure but a great first proper test for Karanka and the squad," added another.
While a fifth said: "On paper this is a difficult start to the season. If we develop the backbone of our squad early then I will say that we'll be looking at around 5 points realistically. If we wait until October then we will struggle to get many points early on."


birminghammail--2020-08-21--Man suffers 'serious' injuries after falling off bike

Medics treated a man for potentially serious injuries after he fell off his bike in Brierley Hill .
Emergency crews @ @ @ @ @ staff – were deployed to Hill Street on Thursday , August 20 , following the @ @ @ @ @ 's Church .
The man was taken to Russell ’ s Hall Hospital on blue @ @ @ @ @ around 4.30pm .
Pictures from the scene – which were shared online – showed police @ @ @ @ @ Traffic in the surrounding area was also diverted and sparked localised traffic problems .
A @ @ @ @ @ Service added : `` We were called at 4.39pm to reports a cyclist had come @ @ @ @ @ junction of Church Street and Hill Street in Brierley Hill .
`` Crews treated one @ @ @ @ @ and he was taken to Russells Hall Hospital on blue lights and sirens for further @ @ @

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Medics treated a man for potentially serious injuries after he fell off his bike in Brierley Hill.
Emergency crews – including officers and ambulance staff – were deployed to Hill Street on Thursday, August 20, following the fall near to St Mary's Church.
The man was taken to Russell’s Hall Hospital on blue lights for further treatment at around 4.30pm.
Pictures from the scene – which were shared online – showed police cars blocking the carriageway.
Traffic in the surrounding area was also diverted and sparked localised traffic problems.
A spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance Service added: "We were called at 4.39pm to reports a cyclist had come off his bike at the junction of Church Street and Hill Street in Brierley Hill.
"One ambulance, a Critical Care Car and a paramedic officer attended.
"Crews treated one man for potentially serious injuries and he was taken to Russells Hall Hospital on blue lights and sirens for further treatment."


birminghammail--2020-08-21--10 cars stolen from burglaries in just ONE WEEK in part of Birmingham

Part of Birmingham has seen ten cars stolen from burglaries in just a single week .
The thefts resulted from six break-ins in Erdington and Sutton Coldfield since last Wednesday ( August 12 ) .
Five of the vehicles were recovered in Birmingham , mainly thanks to their tracking devices , and a number of arrests have been made .
West Midlands Police Inspector Haroon Chugtai revealed the spate in his latest monthly crime update for the area .
He confirmed in the period between April 1 and August 20 burglaries were down across the two areas compared to last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ However Insp Chugtai stated there had been an increase of late with intruders either targeting homes for car keys or sheds for electrical equipment .
He said : `` Both Sutton and Erdington have recently seen increases in burglary offences after a significant reductions during much of the Covid 19 period , these have ranged from break-ins where the target appears to be keys to cars on drives , which are then stolen , to sheds in gardens being targeted for gardening tools .
`` For example this week across Sutton and Erdington @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , August 20 ) we have had six burglary offences , from which a total of 10 cars have been stolen , we have managed to recover five of those cars across Birmingham – largely down to victims having tracking devices in their cars , we have also had a number of good arrests . ''
Overall burglaries are down by 58 per cent in Sutton Coldfield compared to last year , which is equal to 133 fewer victims .
In Erdington there has been a seven per cent reduction , 18 fewer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of people 'target hardening ' their homes .
He added : `` By target hardening I mean the physical security improvements you can make such as installing an alarm , CCTV cameras , security parking posts , immobilisers/tracking devices in cars to name a few but also things like locking the porch door , leaving windows locked when not home , letting neighbours know if you will be away so they can keep a look out etc .
`` My PCSO ’ s would be happy to come out to your house and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with you . ''

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Part of Birmingham has seen ten cars stolen from burglaries in just a single week.
The thefts resulted from six break-ins in Erdington and Sutton Coldfield since last Wednesday (August 12). Five of the vehicles were recovered in Birmingham, mainly thanks to their tracking devices, and a number of arrests have been made.
West Midlands Police Inspector Haroon Chugtai revealed the spate in his latest monthly crime update for the area. He confirmed in the period between April 1 and August 20 burglaries were down across the two areas compared to last year, largely due to lockdown.
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However Insp Chugtai stated there had been an increase of late with intruders either targeting homes for car keys or sheds for electrical equipment.
He said: "Both Sutton and Erdington have recently seen increases in burglary offences after a significant reductions during much of the Covid 19 period, these have ranged from break-ins where the target appears to be keys to cars on drives, which are then stolen, to sheds in gardens being targeted for gardening tools.
"For example this week across Sutton and Erdington (last Wednesday to today, Thursday, August 20) we have had six burglary offences, from which a total of 10 cars have been stolen, we have managed to recover five of those cars across Birmingham – largely down to victims having tracking devices in their cars, we have also had a number of good arrests."
Overall burglaries are down by 58 per cent in Sutton Coldfield compared to last year, which is equal to 133 fewer victims. In Erdington there has been a seven per cent reduction, 18 fewer victims.
Insp Chugtai emphasised the importance of people 'target hardening' their homes. He added: "By target hardening I mean the physical security improvements you can make such as installing an alarm, CCTV cameras, security parking posts, immobilisers/tracking devices in cars to name a few but also things like locking the porch door, leaving windows locked when not home, letting neighbours know if you will be away so they can keep a look out etc.
"My PCSO’s would be happy to come out to your house and offer advise and complete a security review with you."


birminghammail--2020-08-21--The lowdown on sensational Wolves-linked Lucas Ocampos

Wolves have identified Sevilla ’ s Lucas Ocampos as a replacement for Adama Traore , according to reports .
Sky Sports claim Wolves could move for the man who ended their Europa League dreams if they decide to cash in on Traore , who has been linked with Liverpool , Manchester City and a return to Barcelona .
Ocampos has had a sensational first season in Spanish football , scoring not only the header which dumped Wolves out at the quarter final stage but 16 other goals in all competitions , whilst also providing five assists .
This is what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Who is he ?
A late bloomer who has caught the attention of virtually every club in Europe .
He is a 26-year-old winger born in Quilmes , Argentina who started out with his hometown club .
He has gone on to play for River Plate , Monaco , Marseille , Genoa , Milan and now Sevilla .
He has also played three times for his country .
He helped River return to the Primera División and in 2012 was named as FIFA as one of the Players to Watch .
Monaco were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that year made the 18-year-old the most expensive Ligue 2 transfer of all time when they spent €11 million .
He played a big part in Monaco ’ s return to the French top flight before the big-money signings of James Rodríguez , Radamel Falcao and João Moutinho limited his opportunities .
Having started only seven matches by the end of January 2015 , Ocampos requested a move away - and joined Marcelo Bielsa ’ s Marseille .
He spent the first half of the 2016/2017 season on loan with Genoa , before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with AC Milan .
At the end he returned to Marseille having played a combined 29 matches and scored three goals for both clubs .
The following season he made his breakthrough , featuring more regularly and helping Marseille reach the final of the Europa League where they were beaten by Atletico Madrid .
He spent the 2018/2019 season with Marseille , scoring five times in 40 games and earning a move to Sevilla .
He was hardly unknown when he went to La Liga - but no-one expected the season he has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ system transformed by the obsessive Julen Lopetegui .
“ He is a very demanding coach , teaches you a lot of things .
He likes to play ball , the team plays well , and that is what every player likes , ” Ocampos said recently .
“ We believe in what he proposes and everything Lopetegui tries to instil in us is seen day by day , ” Lopetegui loves his direct style and his willingness to do both sides of the game .
“ Lucas is a crucial player for us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the team ; He works a lot for the team.
” In a poll run by Spanish football newspaper Marca - which involved 120,000 fans - Ocampos was voted La Liga ’ s best new signing of the season .
Wolves if they move on from Traore , Everton and a host of other European aristocrats - not least Real Madrid .
Speaking on Real ’ s interest in him in May , Ocampos said in an interview with Planeta 947 : “ The other day I was discussing it with my wife @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Real Madrid were looking at me , that will make anyone ’ s chest puff out.
” Ocampos has four years left on the contract he signed when he joined Sevilla in 2019 .
SSN claim he has a £62million release clause but reckon Sevilla could be tempted to deal for £40m .

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Wolves have identified Sevilla’s Lucas Ocampos as a replacement for Adama Traore, according to reports.
Sky Sports claim Wolves could move for the man who ended their Europa League dreams if they decide to cash in on Traore, who has been linked with Liverpool, Manchester City and a return to Barcelona.
Ocampos has had a sensational first season in Spanish football, scoring not only the header which dumped Wolves out at the quarter final stage but 16 other goals in all competitions, whilst also providing five assists.
This is what you need to know about him.
Who is he?
A late bloomer who has caught the attention of virtually every club in Europe.
He is a 26-year-old winger born in Quilmes, Argentina who started out with his hometown club.
He has gone on to play for River Plate, Monaco, Marseille, Genoa, Milan and now Sevilla.
He has also played three times for his country.
Early days
He helped River return to the Primera División and in 2012 was named as FIFA as one of the Players to Watch. Monaco were doing just that and in August of that year made the 18-year-old the most expensive Ligue 2 transfer of all time when they spent €11 million.
He played a big part in Monaco’s return to the French top flight before the big-money signings of James Rodríguez, Radamel Falcao and João Moutinho limited his opportunities.
Having started only seven matches by the end of January 2015, Ocampos requested a move away - and joined Marcelo Bielsa’s Marseille.
Loan star
He spent the first half of the 2016/2017 season on loan with Genoa, before moving in January and completing the campaign with AC Milan.
At the end he returned to Marseille having played a combined 29 matches and scored three goals for both clubs.
The following season he made his breakthrough, featuring more regularly and helping Marseille reach the final of the Europa League where they were beaten by Atletico Madrid.
He spent the 2018/2019 season with Marseille, scoring five times in 40 games and earning a move to Sevilla.
(Image: Getty Images)
Hitting the big time
He was hardly unknown when he went to La Liga - but no-one expected the season he has just put together, thriving in a system transformed by the obsessive Julen Lopetegui.
“He is a very demanding coach, teaches you a lot of things. He likes to play ball, the team plays well, and that is what every player likes,” Ocampos said recently.
“We believe in what he proposes and everything Lopetegui tries to instil in us is seen day by day,”
Lopetegui loves his direct style and his willingness to do both sides of the game.
“Lucas is a crucial player for us, who has grown a lot with the team; He works a lot for the team.”
In a poll run by Spanish football newspaper Marca - which involved 120,000 fans - Ocampos was voted La Liga’s best new signing of the season.
Who’s interested?
Wolves if they move on from Traore, Everton and a host of other European aristocrats - not least Real Madrid.
What’s he said?
Speaking on Real’s interest in him in May, Ocampos said in an interview with Planeta 947: “The other day I was discussing it with my wife, we opened the newspaper and saw that Real Madrid were looking at me, that will make anyone’s chest puff out.”
What’s his contractual situation?
Ocampos has four years left on the contract he signed when he joined Sevilla in 2019. SSN claim he has a £62million release clause but reckon Sevilla could be tempted to deal for £40m.


birminghammail--2020-08-21--Wes Harding sends heartfelt message to Birmingham City fans

Wes Harding has posted an emotional message to Birmingham City fans after deciding to leave the club .
The 23-year-old has completed a move to Championship rivals Rotherham United , bringing to an end a Blues career that started when he left Aston Villa ’ s academy .
That was back in 2013 , since when he has come through the ranks at Wast Hills to make 59 first team appearances .
It was Garry Monk who gave him his big break in the spring of 2018 and whilst not always commanding a first team place he proved himself to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be fondly remembered at Blues , particularly after his parting message to supporters which he posted on social media .
“ At 16 years old I came to Birmingham pursuing a career in football .
Seven years later I can proudly say I have achieved that goal .
“ I enjoyed my time on the pitch and gave my all every time .
`` Thank you to the academy and the first team staff over the years who grounded me , my team-mates who nurtured me and the fans who supported me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goodbye , I genuinely love the club but it ’ s the right time for me to move on .
“ See you soon , Keep Right On.
” Harding could be back at St Andrew 's with his new team when the Millers visit on September 26 .

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Wes Harding has posted an emotional message to Birmingham City fans after deciding to leave the club.
The 23-year-old has completed a move to Championship rivals Rotherham United, bringing to an end a Blues career that started when he left Aston Villa’s academy.
That was back in 2013, since when he has come through the ranks at Wast Hills to make 59 first team appearances.
It was Garry Monk who gave him his big break in the spring of 2018 and whilst not always commanding a first team place he proved himself to be a willing contributor.
And he will be fondly remembered at Blues, particularly after his parting message to supporters which he posted on social media.
“At 16 years old I came to Birmingham pursuing a career in football. Seven years later I can proudly say I have achieved that goal.
“I enjoyed my time on the pitch and gave my all every time.
"Thank you to the academy and the first team staff over the years who grounded me, my team-mates who nurtured me and the fans who supported me.
“It’s an emotional goodbye, I genuinely love the club but it’s the right time for me to move on.
"I leave Birmingham with long lasting friendships and fond memories.
“See you soon, Keep Right On.”
Harding could be back at St Andrew's with his new team when the Millers visit on September 26.


birminghammail--2020-08-21--Cheryl Tweedy 'favourite' to replace Bruno Tonioli in Strictly

Former X Factor judge Cheryl Tweedy is now favourite to replace Bruno Tonioli for the start of Strictly Come Dancing .
The BBC confirmed that he would be missing early programmes due to the quarantine period now imposed on people flying the UK from the US - where Bruno lives .
The 64-year-old who also has to film US show Dancing With The Stars - will instead watch from home and appear virtually on Sundays to vote on who should leave the competition .
But a replacement is needed for him on the Saturday show and the bookies have Cheryl @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The rumour mill has gone into overdrive about the 37-year-old joining Strictly after The Greatest Dancer - a BBC show she also previously appeared on as a judge .
Although Cheryl is the favourite with bookies , former Strictly head judge Len Goodman is not far behind at odds of 2/1 .
Other possible candidates in the frame are professional dancers Anton Du Beke ( 5/2 ) and James Jordan at 4/1 .
James left the show in 2013 and is known for his acid tongue - so he could give Craig a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement earlier today , Bruno had said : `` I absolutely adore being part of Strictly and ca n't wait to see what incredible dancing this year has in store . ''
Cheryl has had a few surname changes since finding fame on Girls Aloud - going from Tweedy to Cole to Fernandez-Versini and back to Tweedy .
Katherine Jenkins , Vinnie Jones and Gavin Henson are a ; ; tipped to appear as contestants on the new series of Strictly .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Rose Hill, Sanjeeta Bains)

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Former X Factor judge Cheryl Tweedy is now favourite to replace Bruno Tonioli for the start of Strictly Come Dancing.
The BBC confirmed that he would be missing early programmes due to the quarantine period now imposed on people flying the UK from the US - where Bruno lives.
(Image: PA)
The 64-year-old who also has to film US show Dancing With The Stars - will instead watch from home and appear virtually on Sundays to vote on who should leave the competition.
But a replacement is needed for him on the Saturday show and the bookies have Cheryl as favourite, reports Mirror Online.
The rumour mill has gone into overdrive about the 37-year-old joining Strictly after The Greatest Dancer - a BBC show she also previously appeared on as a judge.
Although Cheryl is the favourite with bookies, former Strictly head judge Len Goodman is not far behind at odds of 2/1.
Other possible candidates in the frame are professional dancers Anton Du Beke (5/2)and James Jordan at 4/1.
James left the show in 2013 and is known for his acid tongue - so he could give Craig a run for his money.
In a statement earlier today, Bruno had said: "I absolutely adore being part of Strictly and can't wait to see what incredible dancing this year has in store."
Cheryl has had a few surname changes since finding fame on Girls Aloud - going from Tweedy to Cole to Fernandez-Versini and back to Tweedy.
Katherine Jenkins, Vinnie Jones and Gavin Henson are a;; tipped to appear as contestants on the new series of Strictly.


birminghammail--2020-08-21--The inside story of the masterplan that saved Aston Villa

It came right down to the wire but in the end Dean Smith and Aston Villa managed to achieve their goal last season - of finding safety in the Premier League .
On the final day , against West Ham , it took just a few moments following the final whistle for Villa to confirm their place in the 20/21 season .
The team took some flack throughout the campaign , but a desire to improve and the perfect opportunity to do so was utilised by the team and Smith .
That started out with some home truths , though @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here '' I just got the coaches ' heads together .
Myself , Richard O'Kelly , JT [ John Terry ] and Neil Cutler and tried to figure out with the analysts why we felt we had conceded so many shots and big chances ( expected goals ) , and goals , ” said Smith during a walk and talk interview with Villa 's club website .
`` We came up with a plan .
I felt we had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just going all out to win games .
`` I felt players needed a meeting with me one-to-one for me to tell them how I thought they ; d done and for me to listen to them , to get their thoughts on how they thought they had done and what they needed to improve on . ''
`` We ended up having group meetings then .
In small groups we discussed defensive patterns and shapes , what they feel , what I feel we could improve on .
Then I got them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ group .
They then , as small groups , had to feed back to me with their thoughts .
That type of self-reflection as a group can be needed - but it can also be painful , with Smith admitting himself that it was n't the easiest thing to do , although it was needed .
With Villa 's season in tatters after a crushing loss at Leicester before the lockdown , a new approach was needed .
[ Was it brutal ? ]
A little bit , yeah , '' winced the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needed .
The players needed to know where I wanted to go .
They also needed a pointer , and direction .
I felt after that relegation that the players felt they were a relegated team .
I had to change that , however I could . ''
A new Villa emerged after lockdown , and while they had some help ( thanks to a goal-line issue with Hawkeye against Sheffield United ) , Villa pushed themselves to safety - with Smith keeping stuck on course thanks to expected goals ( xG ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was able to help Villa stick to their new plan , with clear improvements emerging in the underlying metrics of each game post-lockdown .
`` We kept Sheffield United to 0.3 expected goals which takes some doing .
I talk about expected goals , but it 's only a marker .
Lots of things happen in games .
Then we played Chelsea who had plenty of the ball and beat us with a deflected goal 2-1 .
`` Again , our expected goals was 0.7 to their 0.8 .
With that as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were improving defensively . ''
Smith 's use of expected goals in post-match interviews led to frustration from fans - who wanted to see actual results , instead of 'expected ' ones .
The former was the only way Villa were going to get points , but the latter kept the team believing .
`` The results were n't coming .
We got two points from the first four games , but all the players felt that they were defending better .
The big problem was that we were n't converting our chances @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the start of the season , but conceded a lot as well . ''
It was n't always the case that Villa would start the season - again - though .
With the global pandemic hitting a peak , talks did centre around stopping the 19/20 season entirely .
However , Smith kept focused on his main goal , of keeping Villa solid , and keeping them up - with a cool head .
`` It 's my job - I 've been in professional football since I was 16 .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to win .
You have short-term goals and long-term goals and I have never lost sight of that .
It was a tough time for a lot of people .
I realised early that the lockdown could give us a great opportunity to reset ourselves .
We had ten games to change ourselves and get out of trouble . ''
`` I 've trained myself to have a certain emotional control .
I remember getting the Walsall job and losing the game one-nil .
I went into the dressing room after and had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ walking into my own room before going into the press conference .
I had a headache and thought ' I do n't need this ! '
then I just thought - I need the players again next week , do they need me ranting at them when I can just have a day away and speak then a bit more rationally about the game ? ''
`` I went for the latter thing .
You 're not going to get anything straight after a game .
On the sideline they need to see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I 'm not in control , it allows them to not be in control . ''
Time away for reflection is key to Smith 's planing at Villa - and that involves recreation , and the famous 'dog-walking ' .
`` Golf , I play off 12 , I have a regular group I play with to take my mind off things , but do n't play enough to get the handicap down .
It 's a thinking game , you have to think yourself around the course .
I played chess as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ always been a strategic thinker .
It gives me time away .
`` I 've spoken about the dog walks , I 've got a working Cocker Spaniel .
He needs a walk .
We 've been to Scotland and I looked at my watch - we did 23,000 steps so he 's certainly had a walk !
It 's great for thinking time .
`` I remember talking to Neil Lennon - Bolton manager at the time - and he said 'why are you so calm all the time ? '
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an impact and he thanked me later !
Win , lose or draw , it 's unconditional love the moment you walk through the door .
You need that , and the time away .
It 's all consuming , is football .
`` I looked at myself when Jack [ Grealish ] scored that goal against West Ham and it looked like a lot of stress was released .
We got the job done , but that was the important thing .
That has now set up a second season at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likely wo n't have a large break in the middle of the season this time around .
They need to start as they mean to go on .
`` We 've learned lessons , players and staff alike .
When we do have our downtime , we have to get our own headspace .
We do n't have a position target .
Our points tally last year was nowhere near what we set out to achieve .
The goals are to improve .
Getting 0.4 of a point extra per game gets you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ margins you need to work on , we 're working hard to get that right .
`` Our objective last season was to stay up , we did that but by the skin of our teeth .
We do not want to go through that again , we want to be a club that is progressing .
`` We want to improve and get better .
I 've always thought one of my strengths is that I can improve players .
I think everyone wants to learn and get better .
That 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coaches , improving those players and making sure they are getting better .
If they get better , Aston Villa gets better and we can stay in our jobs . ''
There will still be a few changes for Villa though - who will start the season without fans in the stadium , a big miss for Smith .
`` It 's not that good .
I hope we can get them back in , in some shape or form .
Six games at a full Villa Park would 've been a help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it .
Our fans help us get over the line .
I hope they are back in some capacity .
That 's what makes football . ''

It came right down to the wire but in the end Dean Smith and Aston Villa managed to achieve their goal last season - of finding safety in the Premier League.
On the final day, against West Ham, it took just a few moments following the final whistle for Villa to confirm their place in the 20/21 season.
The team took some flack throughout the campaign, but a desire to improve and the perfect opportunity to do so was utilised by the team and Smith.
That started out with some home truths, though.
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"I just got the coaches' heads together. Myself, Richard O'Kelly, JT [John Terry] and Neil Cutler and tried to figure out with the analysts why we felt we had conceded so many shots and big chances (expected goals), and goals,” said Smith during a walk and talk interview with Villa's club website.
"We came up with a plan. I felt we had to be harder to beat rather than just going all out to win games.
"I felt players needed a meeting with me one-to-one for me to tell them how I thought they;d done and for me to listen to them, to get their thoughts on how they thought they had done and what they needed to improve on."
"We ended up having group meetings then. In small groups we discussed defensive patterns and shapes, what they feel, what I feel we could improve on. Then I got them to analyse their own performances in a group. They then, as small groups, had to feed back to me with their thoughts.
That type of self-reflection as a group can be needed - but it can also be painful, with Smith admitting himself that it wasn't the easiest thing to do, although it was needed. With Villa's season in tatters after a crushing loss at Leicester before the lockdown, a new approach was needed.
[Was it brutal?] A little bit, yeah," winced the head coach. "But it was needed. The players needed to know where I wanted to go. They also needed a pointer, and direction. I felt after that relegation that the players felt they were a relegated team. I had to change that, however I could."
A new Villa emerged after lockdown, and while they had some help (thanks to a goal-line issue with Hawkeye against Sheffield United), Villa pushed themselves to safety - with Smith keeping stuck on course thanks to expected goals (xG), despite some early worries.
xG was able to help Villa stick to their new plan, with clear improvements emerging in the underlying metrics of each game post-lockdown.
"We kept Sheffield United to 0.3 expected goals which takes some doing. I talk about expected goals, but it's only a marker. Lots of things happen in games. Then we played Chelsea who had plenty of the ball and beat us with a deflected goal 2-1.
"Again, our expected goals was 0.7 to their 0.8. With that as a marker, I could say that we were improving defensively."
Smith's use of expected goals in post-match interviews led to frustration from fans - who wanted to see actual results, instead of 'expected' ones. The former was the only way Villa were going to get points, but the latter kept the team believing.
"The results weren't coming. We got two points from the first four games, but all the players felt that they were defending better. The big problem was that we weren't converting our chances. We created a lot of chances at the start of the season, but conceded a lot as well."
It wasn't always the case that Villa would start the season - again - though. With the global pandemic hitting a peak, talks did centre around stopping the 19/20 season entirely. However, Smith kept focused on his main goal, of keeping Villa solid, and keeping them up - with a cool head.
"It's my job - I've been in professional football since I was 16. I've gone from game to game looking to win. You have short-term goals and long-term goals and I have never lost sight of that. It was a tough time for a lot of people. I realised early that the lockdown could give us a great opportunity to reset ourselves. We had ten games to change ourselves and get out of trouble."
"I've trained myself to have a certain emotional control. I remember getting the Walsall job and losing the game one-nil. I went into the dressing room after and had a go at the lads, then walking into my own room before going into the press conference. I had a headache and thought 'I don't need this!' then I just thought - I need the players again next week, do they need me ranting at them when I can just have a day away and speak then a bit more rationally about the game?"
"I went for the latter thing. You're not going to get anything straight after a game. On the sideline they need to see somebody who is in control. If I'm not in control, it allows them to not be in control."
(Image: Richard Pelham NMCPool)
Time away for reflection is key to Smith's planing at Villa - and that involves recreation, and the famous 'dog-walking'.
"Golf, I play off 12, I have a regular group I play with to take my mind off things, but don't play enough to get the handicap down. It's a thinking game, you have to think yourself around the course. I played chess as a young lad, so I've always been a strategic thinker. It gives me time away.
"I've spoken about the dog walks, I've got a working Cocker Spaniel. He needs a walk. We've been to Scotland and I looked at my watch - we did 23,000 steps so he's certainly had a walk! It's great for thinking time.
"I remember talking to Neil Lennon - Bolton manager at the time - and he said 'why are you so calm all the time?' It's the dog. They have such an impact and he thanked me later! Win, lose or draw, it's unconditional love the moment you walk through the door. You need that, and the time away. It's all consuming, is football.
"I looked at myself when Jack [Grealish] scored that goal against West Ham and it looked like a lot of stress was released. We got the job done, but that was the important thing.
That has now set up a second season at the top for Villa and Smith, who likely won't have a large break in the middle of the season this time around. They need to start as they mean to go on.
"We've learned lessons, players and staff alike. When we do have our downtime, we have to get our own headspace. We don't have a position target. Our points tally last year was nowhere near what we set out to achieve. The goals are to improve. Getting 0.4 of a point extra per game gets you into the top 12. Those small margins you need to work on, we're working hard to get that right.
"Our objective last season was to stay up, we did that but by the skin of our teeth. We do not want to go through that again, we want to be a club that is progressing.
"We want to improve and get better. I've always thought one of my strengths is that I can improve players. I think everyone wants to learn and get better. That's what we need to focus on as coaches, improving those players and making sure they are getting better. If they get better, Aston Villa gets better and we can stay in our jobs."
There will still be a few changes for Villa though - who will start the season without fans in the stadium, a big miss for Smith.
"It's not that good. I hope we can get them back in, in some shape or form. Six games at a full Villa Park would've been a help for us - but we got through it. Our fans help us get over the line. I hope they are back in some capacity. That's what makes football."


birminghammail--2020-08-21--Aston Villa 'discuss' signing Liverpool's Marko Grujic - report

Aston Villa are interested in Liverpool midfielder Marko Grujic , according to reports .
Goal claims Villa are one of two Premier League teams and a host of European clubs interested in the Serb who finally looks set to exit Anfield .
The 24-year-old joined Liverpool from Red Star Belgrade in 2016 but has spent the last two seasons on loan at Hertha Berlin - having also ended the 2017/2018 campaign with Cardiff City in the Championship .
He went to Hertha in 2018 and returned to the German outfit the following summer - which leaves the Bundesliga side favourites @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Frankfurt and Borussia Moenchengladbach are also credited with an interest as are Serie A side Atalanta .
And the report claims Villa have discussed the idea of bringing Grujic to Villa Park , while Crystal Palace are said to have made contact with his agent .
Grujic was Jurgen Klopp ’ s first signing as Liverpool manager and reported to be valued at around £20million .
The story claims Villa are more likely to go for Bournemouth ’ s Philip Billing as they look to reinforce a squad that narrowly dodged the drop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Bournemouth last season , his first since joining them from Huddersfield - and has been relegated with both clubs in consecutive seasons .
The 24-year-old was born in Denmark but signed a youth contract with the Terriers as a teenager before coming through the ranks to make 91 appearances for the Yorkshire outfit .
Billing was part of the Cherries side which defeated Villa 2-1 in February - when he scored what could be his final goal for the club .

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Aston Villa are interested in Liverpool midfielder Marko Grujic, according to reports.
Goal claims Villa are one of two Premier League teams and a host of European clubs interested in the Serb who finally looks set to exit Anfield.
The 24-year-old joined Liverpool from Red Star Belgrade in 2016 but has spent the last two seasons on loan at Hertha Berlin - having also ended the 2017/2018 campaign with Cardiff City in the Championship.
He went to Hertha in 2018 and returned to the German outfit the following summer - which leaves the Bundesliga side favourites for his signature.
However, Eintracht Frankfurt and Borussia Moenchengladbach are also credited with an interest as are Serie A side Atalanta.
And the report claims Villa have discussed the idea of bringing Grujic to Villa Park, while Crystal Palace are said to have made contact with his agent.
Grujic was Jurgen Klopp’s first signing as Liverpool manager and reported to be valued at around £20million.
The story claims Villa are more likely to go for Bournemouth’s Philip Billing as they look to reinforce a squad that narrowly dodged the drop last term.
Billing played 35 times for Bournemouth last season, his first since joining them from Huddersfield - and has been relegated with both clubs in consecutive seasons.
The 24-year-old was born in Denmark but signed a youth contract with the Terriers as a teenager before coming through the ranks to make 91 appearances for the Yorkshire outfit.
Billing was part of the Cherries side which defeated Villa 2-1 in February - when he scored what could be his final goal for the club.


birminghammail--2020-08-21--Everything you need to know as city faces new Covid restrictions

Birmingham is now officially one step away from lockdown-style restrictions after being given a 'medium to high ' risk rating by Health Secretary Matt Hancock .
A series of new voluntary restrictions are to come into force immediately - including a new rule to restrict households meeting at home and for no gatherings of more than 30 anywhere , except for congregational prayer .
The measures - all voluntary - rely on people `` doing the right thing '' to protect each other amid rising concern about clusters of infection across the city .
City leader Ian Ward and mayor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ afternoon to outline how they intend to bring the infections down - or at least stop them rising further .
Cllr Ward , outlining the measures , also raised the spectre of the country being `` on the cusp of a second wave '' .
`` We need to do everything we possibly can to keep people as safe as possible and reduce the current case rate in Birmingham , '' he said .
`` We are seeing an increase in the case rates nationally and across Europe .
It does feel like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ second wave . ''
The restrictions people are now urged to follow include : • Each household can only host up to TWO people from another household at any one time • No more than 30 people to gather anywhere , except for congregational prayer • Face coverings to be worn in taxis and private hire vehicles by driver and passengers , except where there is a clinical exemption • Plans to reopen more business and hospitality sectors put on hold • Homeless people to be sheltered again under the Everyone In scheme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the city has been given no additional powers to enforce breaches of the new rules .
The restrictions will also be linked to a massive engagement push in local communities , including multilingual messages to ensure everyone is aware of the risks and to encourage confidence in the test and trace system .
The hospitality sector will also be targeted .
Customers have been urged to vote with their feet and walk away from businesses who do not follow strict compliance rules around social distancing and contact tracing .
Cllr Ward said today @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you for your details then take your business somewhere else - they are placing you at greater risk.
” A whistleblower scheme has also been set up by the council to encourage people to flag up places of concern that might be putting others at risk .
West Midlands Police have also pledged to play their part to enforce restrictions - though today a clearly frustrated deputy Police and Crime Commissioner , Waheed Saleem , said the force were still waiting for vital powers to help them penalise party organisers .
He said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up last weekend and police attended several wedding events , all hosted by `` irresponsible '' organisers .
He urged people to `` think again '' , adding : `` We will come out and we will shut you down . ''
Cllr Ward said work was being stepped up with universities in the city to ensure students , due to return in the next week or so , follow the guidance and are protected .
Work was also being done with special schools , care homes and others deemed clinically vulnerable to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no suggestion that schools would not be opening as planned .
The combined package of measures is designed to achieve a single goal - bring the infection rate back down and , by doing so , reduce the risk of coronavirus reaching the most vulnerable .
Infection rates are at around 30 cases per 100,000 people ( the equivalent of around 320 new cases a week ) - and , tellingly , the percentage of people testing positive has gone up to 4.3 per cent .
Over half of cases in the last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 34 age demographic , said Mr Hancock .
He said today : `` Local leaders and the government have agreed initially to make Birmingham an ‘ Area of Enhanced Support ’ , meaning the area will benefit from additional testing , locally led contract tracing and targeted community engagement . ''
Neighbouring Sandwell is also on the national watch list , as an area of concern .
This comes as it battles a new cluster of cases , mostly among households .
Cllr Ward said today : `` We have seen rises right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put our finger on an area where there has been a large outbreak of cases - it is a general increase across the city and across all ethnic groups .
`` There have been small outbreaks of three or four cases at retail , hospitality and manufacturing places , but also an increase in households and social networks .
There has also been a small increase in cases in care homes among staff and residents .
`` But we do not have current plans for a lockdown for the city of Birmingham or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the city . ''
Cllr Paulette Hamilton , cabinet member for health and social care , said of the 'enhanced support ' rating : `` Birmingham was very badly affected by coronavirus , and its BAME communities and those in our most deprived areas were hit particularly hard .
`` We are now seeing infection levels rise and so are working together with government to do everything possible .
This is about working together to ensure we protect our most vulnerable - we do not want to take any chances , and nor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new plan , testing will be stepped up , with four new mobile sites being set up in the heart of communities , while the council is busy recruiting 31 new public health staff to support local outbreak measures .
At present around 1,000 tests a week are being carried out , but that will increase dramatically .
Clive Wright , regional convenor for the Department of Health , said : ” We continue to provide more opportunities to take tests - drive through regional testing sites and mobile testing sites are set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ working with local councils to provide more walk up opportunities ( like one open in Lozells ) , ” Mr Wright said .
“ Birmingham will also be offering a drop and collect service , where test kits are delivered to the door , people can self swab , and then the tests are collected .
This has worked really well in other places and improved the success of contact tracing . ''
Local teams will also be supported to carry out more test and trace work in communities .
Some 31 new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's public health team .
It 's a long overdue measure designed to improve the current woeful , if improving , tracing rate led by the national Test and Trace service , long deemed inadequate .
The commercially operated service has been found wanting particularly in communities with high levels of non English speakers and in communities with more suspicion about sharing information .
At present only two thirds ( 64.5 % ) of contacts of Brummies who test positive are traced - meaning hundreds of people each week could be unaware they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a local test and trace service led by director of public health Dr Lisa McNally has had success - lifting its contact tracing rate to 82.6 % .
It was a point addressed by city MP Liam Byrne , who responded to today 's news by saying : `` Covid infection rates are going in the wrong direction - so we need Government to step up NOW so we can avoid a Leicester-style lockdown .
`` We can ’ t have a testing letdown that triggers city lockdown .
`` Higher infection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enhanced support .
But ‘ enhanced support ’ has got to mean the world class testing regime we were promised months ago - plus a few things extra .
`` Ultimately the way we avoid self-isolating an entire city is to help those actually with covid self isolate themselves .
Only by knowing who has the antibodies can we ensure that this lockdown is as long as necessary but as short as possible.
” Cllr Ward also repeated calls for the government to provide payments to poorly paid workers who would struggle financially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ due to Covid-19 .
Alarm bells were first sounded at the end of last week , when rising infection rates spiked to 32.4 new cases per 100,000 people - that 's the equivalent of about 350 new cases in a week .
There had been an upward trend for some days , but this news caused alarm .
`` Back in late July there were 15 cases per 100,000 , so you can see why we were concerned , '' said council leader Cllr Ian Ward .
As a result , in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dr Justin Varney wrote to care homes on Friday night , urging them to stop allowing visitors in immediately , until the infection rate was under control .
A series of high level discussions followed involving Dr Varney , cabinet lead on health Paulette Hamilton , leader Ian Ward , chief executive Chris Naylor , mayor Andy Street , Public Health England and the Department of Health .
By Wednesday , it was clear the situation was not changing significantly , so Matt Hancock summoned the city leaders to his weekly review meeting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - to discuss areas of concern .
Rhetoric around the situation then changed - from calm and cautious , to more warlike , with talk of averting disaster .
Council leader Ian Ward urged the city to `` come together like never before '' .
The city was , said public health director Dr Varney , `` balanced on a knife-edge . ''
Throughout the week , dissenting voices were also speaking up , arguing that the current infection rates , while troubling , did not warrant this level of alarm .
Intensive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dr Ron Daniels , said the number of critically ill people in the city has continued to be negligible , with zero deaths reported for days - and says that this is the measure that should determine what happens next .
Relying on testing and positivity data - which he says is misleading - could push the city into an 'unnecessary ' lockdown .
On Thursday , Dr Varney spoke to business leaders at a Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce webinar to implore them to spread the word that retail and hospitality sectors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of compliance .
He estimates only around 60-70 % of businesses are fully risk assessing and taking all the vital measures to keep customers safe , including socially distanced tables , good management of queues , cleaning and hygiene regimes , and more .
He also told them a place on the national watch list was expected - and so it proved .
Discussions are understood to have continued throughout Thursday and into Friday to determine what restrictions would achieve the quickest results for the city , and what would be palatable to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and with a desperately fragile economy .
Today , at around 1.30pm , the Health Secretary confirmed the city was deemed to require `` enhanced support '' to help it tackle rising coronavirus rates .
It was placed 20th on his watch list - every council area above it is subject to `` intervention '' , which in most cases means legally enforceable restrictions and lockdown measures .
It is a clear warning that unless infection rates continue to fall ( there has been a small drop already ) then forced restrictions could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ The number of new infections are on a worrying trend in Birmingham , and I fully support the Government ’ s decision to put the city on its national watchlist to help tackle the outbreak .
`` We are now clearly at the stage where additional Government assistance is needed to help get a grip of the virus in the city , and I have personally spoken to the Health Secretary Matt Hancock to ensure Birmingham gets all the support it needs .
“ People across the region have made an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to keep the virus at bay , but the virus is now returning , and recent efforts to counter that have been insufficient .
It is evident that some people have not been strict enough when it comes to keeping up the basics ... this has to change immediately , and I would ask every single citizen , both across Birmingham and the West Midlands , to re-double their efforts . ''
`` This is a collective battle , and there must be no let up .
”

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Birmingham is now officially one step away from lockdown-style restrictions after being given a 'medium to high' risk rating by Health Secretary Matt Hancock.
A series of new voluntary restrictions are to come into force immediately - including a new rule to restrict households meeting at home and for no gatherings of more than 30 anywhere, except for congregational prayer.
The measures - all voluntary - rely on people "doing the right thing" to protect each other amid rising concern about clusters of infection across the city.
City leader Ian Ward and mayor Andy Street were meeting Matt Hancock this afternoon to outline how they intend to bring the infections down - or at least stop them rising further.
Cllr Ward, outlining the measures, also raised the spectre of the country being "on the cusp of a second wave".
"We need to do everything we possibly can to keep people as safe as possible and reduce the current case rate in Birmingham," he said.
"We are seeing an increase in the case rates nationally and across Europe. It does feel like we are on the cusp of a second wave."
THE RESTRICTIONS
The restrictions people are now urged to follow include:
Each household can only host up to TWO people from another household at any one time
No more than 30 people to gather anywhere, except for congregational prayer
Face coverings to be worn in taxis and private hire vehicles by driver and passengers, except where there is a clinical exemption
Plans to reopen more business and hospitality sectors put on hold
No care home visiting allowed
Homeless people to be sheltered again under the Everyone In scheme
The restrictions included are voluntary, and the city has been given no additional powers to enforce breaches of the new rules.
The restrictions will also be linked to a massive engagement push in local communities, including multilingual messages to ensure everyone is aware of the risks and to encourage confidence in the test and trace system.
The hospitality sector will also be targeted. Customers have been urged to vote with their feet and walk away from businesses who do not follow strict compliance rules around social distancing and contact tracing.
Cllr Ward said today: "If they do not ask you for your details then take your business somewhere else - they are placing you at greater risk.”
A whistleblower scheme has also been set up by the council to encourage people to flag up places of concern that might be putting others at risk.
West Midlands Police have also pledged to play their part to enforce restrictions - though today a clearly frustrated deputy Police and Crime Commissioner, Waheed Saleem, said the force were still waiting for vital powers to help them penalise party organisers.
He said around 80 parties and raves were broken up last weekend and police attended several wedding events, all hosted by "irresponsible" organisers.
He urged people to "think again", adding: "We will come out and we will shut you down."
Cllr Ward said work was being stepped up with universities in the city to ensure students, due to return in the next week or so, follow the guidance and are protected.
Work was also being done with special schools, care homes and others deemed clinically vulnerable to ensure they were protected but there was no suggestion that schools would not be opening as planned.
The combined package of measures is designed to achieve a single goal - bring the infection rate back down and, by doing so, reduce the risk of coronavirus reaching the most vulnerable.
Infection rates are at around 30 cases per 100,000 people (the equivalent of around 320 new cases a week) - and, tellingly, the percentage of people testing positive has gone up to 4.3 per cent.
Over half of cases in the last week have been within the 18 to 34 age demographic, said Mr Hancock.
(Image: Birmingham Mail)
He said today: "Local leaders and the government have agreed initially to make Birmingham an ‘Area of Enhanced Support’, meaning the area will benefit from additional testing, locally led contract tracing and targeted community engagement."
Neighbouring Sandwell is also on the national watch list, as an area of concern. This comes as it battles a new cluster of cases, mostly among households.
Cllr Ward said today: "We have seen rises right across the city and we cannot put our finger on an area where there has been a large outbreak of cases - it is a general increase across the city and across all ethnic groups.
"There have been small outbreaks of three or four cases at retail, hospitality and manufacturing places, but also an increase in households and social networks. There has also been a small increase in cases in care homes among staff and residents.
"But we do not have current plans for a lockdown for the city of Birmingham or to restrict travel in or out of the city."
Cllr Paulette Hamilton, cabinet member for health and social care, said of the 'enhanced support' rating: "Birmingham was very badly affected by coronavirus, and its BAME communities and those in our most deprived areas were hit particularly hard.
"We are now seeing infection levels rise and so are working together with government to do everything possible. This is about working together to ensure we protect our most vulnerable - we do not want to take any chances, and nor does the Government."
TESTING COULD HOLD KEY
Under the new plan, testing will be stepped up, with four new mobile sites being set up in the heart of communities, while the council is busy recruiting 31 new public health staff to support local outbreak measures.
At present around 1,000 tests a week are being carried out, but that will increase dramatically.
Clive Wright, regional convenor for the Department of Health, said: ”We continue to provide more opportunities to take tests - drive through regional testing sites and mobile testing sites are set up, and we have also been working with local councils to provide more walk up opportunities (like one open in Lozells),” Mr Wright said.
“Birmingham will also be offering a drop and collect service, where test kits are delivered to the door, people can self swab, and then the tests are collected. This has worked really well in other places and improved the success of contact tracing."
(Image: AP)
Local teams will also be supported to carry out more test and trace work in communities.
It's a long overdue measure designed to improve the current woeful, if improving, tracing rate led by the national Test and Trace service, long deemed inadequate. The commercially operated service has been found wanting particularly in communities with high levels of non English speakers and in communities with more suspicion about sharing information.
At present only two thirds (64.5%) of contacts of Brummies who test positive are traced - meaning hundreds of people each week could be unaware they are potentially infected.
In neighbouring Sandwell, a local test and trace service led by director of public health Dr Lisa McNally has had success - lifting its contact tracing rate to 82.6%.
It was a point addressed by city MP Liam Byrne, who responded to today's news by saying: "Covid infection rates are going in the wrong direction - so we need Government to step up NOW so we can avoid a Leicester-style lockdown.
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"We can’t have a testing letdown that triggers city lockdown.
"Higher infection rates mean we’re entitled to enhanced support. But ‘enhanced support’ has got to mean the world class testing regime we were promised months ago - plus a few things extra.
"Ultimately the way we avoid self-isolating an entire city is to help those actually with covid self isolate themselves. Only by knowing who has the antibodies can we ensure that this lockdown is as long as necessary but as short as possible.”
Cllr Ward also repeated calls for the government to provide payments to poorly paid workers who would struggle financially to isolate or be off work ill due to Covid-19.
Countdown to joining the watch list
Alarm bells were first sounded at the end of last week, when rising infection rates spiked to 32.4 new cases per 100,000 people - that's the equivalent of about 350 new cases in a week.
There had been an upward trend for some days, but this news caused alarm.
"Back in late July there were 15 cases per 100,000, so you can see why we were concerned," said council leader Cllr Ian Ward.
As a result, in a pre-emptive strike, council public health director Dr Justin Varney wrote to care homes on Friday night, urging them to stop allowing visitors in immediately, until the infection rate was under control.
A series of high level discussions followed involving Dr Varney, cabinet lead on health Paulette Hamilton, leader Ian Ward, chief executive Chris Naylor, mayor Andy Street, Public Health England and the Department of Health.
By Wednesday, it was clear the situation was not changing significantly, so Matt Hancock summoned the city leaders to his weekly review meeting - dubbed a 'gold command' meeting - to discuss areas of concern.
Rhetoric around the situation then changed - from calm and cautious, to more warlike, with talk of averting disaster. Council leader Ian Ward urged the city to "come together like never before". The city was, said public health director Dr Varney, "balanced on a knife-edge."
Throughout the week, dissenting voices were also speaking up, arguing that the current infection rates, while troubling, did not warrant this level of alarm.
Intensive care doctor at University Hospitals Birmingham, Dr Ron Daniels, said the number of critically ill people in the city has continued to be negligible, with zero deaths reported for days - and says that this is the measure that should determine what happens next.
Relying on testing and positivity data - which he says is misleading - could push the city into an 'unnecessary' lockdown.
On Thursday, Dr Varney spoke to business leaders at a Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce webinar to implore them to spread the word that retail and hospitality sectors in particular needed to improve their level of compliance.
He estimates only around 60-70% of businesses are fully risk assessing and taking all the vital measures to keep customers safe, including socially distanced tables, good management of queues, cleaning and hygiene regimes, and more.
He also told them a place on the national watch list was expected - and so it proved.
Discussions are understood to have continued throughout Thursday and into Friday to determine what restrictions would achieve the quickest results for the city, and what would be palatable to a city already fatigued by Covid-19 restrictions and with a desperately fragile economy.
Today, at around 1.30pm, the Health Secretary confirmed the city was deemed to require "enhanced support" to help it tackle rising coronavirus rates.
It was placed 20th on his watch list - every council area above it is subject to "intervention", which in most cases means legally enforceable restrictions and lockdown measures.
It is a clear warning that unless infection rates continue to fall (there has been a small drop already) then forced restrictions could follow.
(Image: Nick Wilkinson / BirminghamLive)
Mayor Andy Street said today: “The number of new infections are on a worrying trend in Birmingham, and I fully support the Government’s decision to put the city on its national watchlist to help tackle the outbreak.
"We are now clearly at the stage where additional Government assistance is needed to help get a grip of the virus in the city, and I have personally spoken to the Health Secretary Matt Hancock to ensure Birmingham gets all the support it needs.
“People across the region have made an enormous sacrifice since the start of lockdown to keep the virus at bay, but the virus is now returning, and recent efforts to counter that have been insufficient. It is evident that some people have not been strict enough when it comes to keeping up the basics...this has to change immediately, and I would ask every single citizen, both across Birmingham and the West Midlands, to re-double their efforts."
"This is a collective battle, and there must be no let up.”


birminghammail--2020-08-21--World Health Organisation warns Covid pandemic to 'last two years'

The director-general of the World Health Organisation has warned the Covid-19 pandemic could last TWO YEARS .
Speaking at a coronavirus briefing , Dr Tedros said : `` The Spanish flu pandemic of 1918 took two years to end .
`` Our situation now with more technology , of course with more connectiveness , the virus has a better chance of spreading , it can move fast .
`` At the same time we have the technology and knowledge to stop it . ''
Dr Tedros warned that while some countries have brought down significantly the rates of transmission of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not mean victory '' .
Notably , New Zealand has seen fresh outbreaks after initially being applauded worldwide for their handling of the pandemic early on .
`` These countries are a cautionary tale for those that are now seeing a downward trend in cases , '' he said .
The WHO 's director-general added that the public must take responsibility for helping to stop the spread of coronavirus .
Dr Tedros also said there is no guarantee a vaccine will be found and even if it is , `` it wo n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He said : `` We must all learn to control and manage this virus using the tools we have now , and to make the adjustments to our daily lives that are needed to keep ourselves and each other safe , '' he said .
The news follows new Birmingham coronavirus restrictions .
They have been brought in to prevent a full city lockdown after a surge of infections reported between August 9 and 12 .
The increase has seen Birmingham placed on a national coronavirus watch-list .

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The director-general of the World Health Organisation has warned the Covid-19 pandemic could last TWO YEARS.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus made the grim prediction today Friday ( August 21), Sky News reports.
Speaking at a coronavirus briefing, Dr Tedros said: "The Spanish flu pandemic of 1918 took two years to end.
"Our situation now with more technology, of course with more connectiveness, the virus has a better chance of spreading, it can move fast.
"At the same time we have the technology and knowledge to stop it."
Dr Tedros warned that while some countries have brought down significantly the rates of transmission of the deadly bug, "progress does not mean victory".
Notably, New Zealand has seen fresh outbreaks after initially being applauded worldwide for their handling of the pandemic early on.
"These countries are a cautionary tale for those that are now seeing a downward trend in cases," he said.
The WHO's director-general added that the public must take responsibility for helping to stop the spread of coronavirus.
Dr Tedros also said there is no guarantee a vaccine will be found and even if it is, "it won't end the pandemic on its own".
He said: "We must all learn to control and manage this virus using the tools we have now, and to make the adjustments to our daily lives that are needed to keep ourselves and each other safe," he said.
The news follows new Birmingham coronavirus restrictions.
They have been brought in to prevent a full city lockdown after a surge of infections reported between August 9 and 12.
The increase has seen Birmingham placed on a national coronavirus watch-list.


birminghammail--2020-08-21--Hide and seek! Police uncover cannabis plants in secret kitchen area

Cannabis plants were discovered at a Birmingham property by cops - hidden in a concealed area behind kitchen cupboards .
West Midlands Police found the illicit stash on Harts Road in Saltley , Washwood Heath , east of the city centre .
Cops raided the property after a gun alert and discovered 50 cannabis plants in a concealed area hidden kitchen cupboards .
A man was arrested at the scene .
Firearms Operation Unit tweeted : `` Whilst searching a premises this afternoon we came across this concealed entrance leading to another part of the property !
# hideandseek # @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spokesman for West Midlands Police said : `` We responded to a report of a man entering a property with a gun in Harts Road , Washwood Heath , just before 12.40pm yesterday ( 20 August ) .
`` Officers searched the address and although no gun was found , we discovered around 50 cannabis plants .
`` A 17-year-old boy from Albania was arrested on suspicion of producing drugs .
He has been referred to immigration services , with no further police action , and has since been taken into local authority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a string of drugs busts , showing how criminals are using more inventive ways to conceal cannabis .
We reported earlier how a cannabis farm worth one million pounds had been discovered at a Wolverhampton home during an early-morning raid .
Pictures from the scene shows the set up was complete with air ducts , specialist lights , power banks and wooden trellis installed to help the plants grow to full height .

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Cannabis plants were discovered at a Birmingham property by cops - hidden in a concealed area behind kitchen cupboards.
West Midlands Police found the illicit stash on Harts Road in Saltley, Washwood Heath, east of the city centre.
Cops raided the property after a gun alert and discovered 50 cannabis plants in a concealed area hidden kitchen cupboards.
A man was arrested at the scene.
Firearms Operation Unit tweeted: "Whilst searching a premises this afternoon we came across this concealed entrance leading to another part of the property! #hideandseek #sneaky (MH)" .
A spokesman for West Midlands Police said: "We responded to a report of a man entering a property with a gun in Harts Road, Washwood Heath, just before 12.40pm yesterday (20 August).
"Officers searched the address and although no gun was found, we discovered around 50 cannabis plants.
"A 17-year-old boy from Albania was arrested on suspicion of producing drugs. He has been referred to immigration services, with no further police action, and has since been taken into local authority care. "
It is the latest in a string of drugs busts, showing how criminals are using more inventive ways to conceal cannabis.
We reported earlier how a cannabis farm worth one million pounds had been discovered at a Wolverhampton home during an early-morning raid.
Pictures from the scene shows the set up was complete with air ducts, specialist lights, power banks and wooden trellis installed to help the plants grow to full height.


birminghammail--2020-08-21--Tom Scott starts Birmingham City trial - after waiting five months

Birmingham City triallist Tom Scott has made his first appearance for the club ’ s Under 23s – five months after his trial was supposed to start .
The 19-year-old played the full 90 minutes of Friday ’ s 1-0 friendly victory over West Brom , a match settled by Josh Andrews ’ first half penalty .
Scott has been at Manchester City for the last five years , having joined them from hometown club Leeds United in 2015 and played through the age groups at the Etihad .
His trial with Blues was due to start a few days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had to wait until the development team has resumed .
Scott finally got to show what he can do as Blues ’ 23s played for the first time since their 2-0 win over Hull on March 6 .
Scott is currently a free agent after being released by City but his appearance with Blues is relatively informal arrangement and will have no bearing on the club ’ s search for a first team goalkeeper following Lee Camp ’ s departure and Connal Trueman ’ s loan to AFC Wimbledon .
The game was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hutton who ended last season on loan with Yeovil and who played both right back and moved to centre half at the Birmingham County FA Ground .
Ryan Burke and Nico Gordon also played – having made their debuts at the end of last season , while Bernard Sun played 45 minutes before being replaced by Miguel Fernandez .
Blues ’ first team squad will play their first pre-season match against Charlton Athletic at Wast Hills on Saturday , with rookie goalkeeper Zach Jeacock likely to be involved in Aitor Karanka ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

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Birmingham City triallist Tom Scott has made his first appearance for the club’s Under 23s – five months after his trial was supposed to start.
The 19-year-old played the full 90 minutes of Friday’s 1-0 friendly victory over West Brom, a match settled by Josh Andrews’ first half penalty.
Scott has been at Manchester City for the last five years, having joined them from hometown club Leeds United in 2015 and played through the age groups at the Etihad.
His trial with Blues was due to start a few days before lockdown in March meaning he has had to wait until the development team has resumed.
Scott finally got to show what he can do as Blues’ 23s played for the first time since their 2-0 win over Hull on March 6.
Scott is currently a free agent after being released by City but his appearance with Blues is relatively informal arrangement and will have no bearing on the club’s search for a first team goalkeeper following Lee Camp’s departure and Connal Trueman’s loan to AFC Wimbledon.
The game was also notable for the return of Remeao Hutton who ended last season on loan with Yeovil and who played both right back and moved to centre half at the Birmingham County FA Ground.
Ryan Burke and Nico Gordon also played – having made their debuts at the end of last season, while Bernard Sun played 45 minutes before being replaced by Miguel Fernandez.
Blues’ first team squad will play their first pre-season match against Charlton Athletic at Wast Hills on Saturday, with rookie goalkeeper Zach Jeacock likely to be involved in Aitor Karanka’s first action since taking charge of Blues.


birminghammail--2020-08-21--Aston Villa defender James Bree in 'advanced talks' ahead of transfer - report

James Bree is set for the exit door at Villa Park , and Aston Villa could be set to recoup a record transfer fee from Luton Town .
Bree could end up costing the Hatters more than the £1.34 million it cost to bring goalkeeper Simon Sluga to Kenilworth Road .
Sign up for our Villa newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here The full-back , 22 , has n't played a great deal of football for Villa since joining from Barnsley in 2016 .
While a first-team spell beckoned for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ club , he has been far more successful in finding match-time during loan spells at Ipswich Town and Luton .
He looks set to continue his spell with the Hatters , though , with advanced talks taking place according to Football Insider - with all parties hoping for a quick deal .
The right back is valued at just over £1 million according to Transfermarkt , and Villa could yet agree to a lower fee with Luton ( albeit with a fairly large sell-on clause ) to allow Bree to play regular football @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Villa Park .

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James Bree is set for the exit door at Villa Park, and Aston Villa could be set to recoup a record transfer fee from Luton Town.
Bree could end up costing the Hatters more than the £1.34 million it cost to bring goalkeeper Simon Sluga to Kenilworth Road.
Sign up for our Villa newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here
The full-back, 22, hasn't played a great deal of football for Villa since joining from Barnsley in 2016. While a first-team spell beckoned for Bree during his early days at the club, he has been far more successful in finding match-time during loan spells at Ipswich Town and Luton.
He looks set to continue his spell with the Hatters, though, with advanced talks taking place according to Football Insider - with all parties hoping for a quick deal.
The right back is valued at just over £1 million according to Transfermarkt, and Villa could yet agree to a lower fee with Luton (albeit with a fairly large sell-on clause) to allow Bree to play regular football - something that won't come easily at Villa Park.


birminghammail--2020-08-21--Man injured after his van ends up on its roof in Kingstanding crash

This is the dramatic result of a rush-hour car crash on a busy Birmingham road .
A van ended up @ @ @ @ @ collision in Kingstanding on Friday ( August 21 ) teatime .
An occupant of the @ @ @ @ @ a heating and plumbing company , was taken to hospital after the accident .
It @ @ @ @ @ Hawthorn Road and College Road at 4.50pm on Friday and blocked the route for over @ @ @ @ @ for West Midlands Fire Service said : `` Crews were called after a collision between @ @ @ @ @ in College Road .
`` The van had overturned and a man from the van @ @ @ @ @ `` Fire crews helped police at the scene and also stayed to recover the van @ @ @ @ @ 7 and No 907 had to be diverted during the incident .
They said : @ @ @ @ @ at Hawthorn Road / College Road Kingstanding .
RTC blocking the Road . ''

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This is the dramatic result of a rush-hour car crash on a busy Birmingham road.
A van ended up on its roof after a collision in Kingstanding on Friday (August 21) teatime.
An occupant of the van, which belongs to a heating and plumbing company, was taken to hospital after the accident.
It happened at the junction of Hawthorn Road and College Road at 4.50pm on Friday and blocked the route for over an hour.
A spokeswoman for West Midlands Fire Service said: "Crews were called after a collision between a car and a van in College Road.
"The van had overturned and a man from the van was taken to hospital.
"Fire crews helped police at the scene and also stayed to recover the van."
Bus services No 7 and No 907 had to be diverted during the incident.
Sutton Coldfield Police tweeted a picture of the upturned van.
They said: "Please avoid the junction at Hawthorn Road / College Road Kingstanding. RTC blocking the Road."