birminghammail--2020-08-19--The Portugal view on £23m Wolves transfer target Paulinho

Braga striker Paulinho could well be the answer to Wolverhampton Wanderers ’ prayers .
Wolves are looking to sign a striker this summer to compete with first choice forward Raul Jimenez and Paulinho is said to be high on their list of targets .
The 27-year-old scored 25 goals in 45 matches for Braga last term , including six in their run to the Europa League Round of 32 .
He hasn ’ t played outside of Portugal yet , having joined Braga from Gil Vicente three years ago and operated with Trofense and Santa Maria before that .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , standing at 6ft 2ins , is well suited to the English game .
To find out more about the £23million-rated striker , BirminghamLive spoke to Portuguese journalist Luís Cristóvão .
Paulinho has scored 35 goals in 88 Primeira Liga games but he only made his top flight debut three years ago .
He is very much Portugal 's answer to Jamie Vardy having started his career in non-league with his hometown club Santa Maria , moving up the ladder with Trofense and Gil Vicente , before joining Braga .
`` It sometimes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years they don ’ t shine sufficiently to grab a place in an academy , '' Cristovao explains .
`` If you reach 17 , 18-years-old playing in a non-league team then it ’ s hard to get out of that level .
`` He had to take that road and played for Santa Maria and then went to Trofense and then Gil Vicente .
He had to prove himself at all levels until reaching Braga .
`` He played a good season in the second league and then moved to Braga .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ you ’ re young .
If you don ’ t have that soon enough you will have to prove yourself through all the leagues . ''
Paulinho has been touted as both a competitor for Jimenez and a replacement with Wolves ' revered number nine attracting plenty of interest from Juventus and Manchester United .
Jimenez - a player who had been a bench-warmer at Atletico Madrid and Benfica - was an underwhelming signing when he arrived in 2018 but his record in old gold has been sensational .
And there are definitely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tipped to join Nuno Espirito Santo 's side .
`` Paulinho had an excellent season with Braga and is on the path to becoming a national team player , '' Cristovao explains .
`` He ’ s very interesting with the ball .
He has a lot of mobility .
He ’ s not really a finisher , he ’ s more of a forward who can play with another striker .
This kind of situation would be better for him .
He ’ s very good in aerial duels and he has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ striker .
`` In some ways he has the characteristics near Jimenez so I can see him being a player that will adapt himself to the way the team plays .
`` He only has three seasons in the first division in Portugal .
He is a good player but I can ’ t be sure how he will react in the Premier League . ''
The Wolves squad is made up of a Portuguese core with eight of Paulinho 's compatriots already working under Nuno .
Ruben Neves , Joao Moutinho , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to developing the unique counter-attacking style which has brought Wolves success in the Premier League over the past two seasons .
And Cristovao - who has watched Paulinho at close quarters this season - believes Wolves ' style is well suited to the Braga frontman .
`` The way Wolverhampton plays I think it ’ s probably a match .
He ’ ll be able to be supportive of the way the team plays .
`` When Braga play in Europe and against the bigger teams in Portugal , they adapt their football @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plays .
For him , it would be something that he knows .
`` It will depend a lot on the way his team plays and on the level of responsibility that he has .
If you ’ re looking for Paulinho to be the second choice after Raul Jimenez , yes I think that would be good for him .
He will have the time and patience to grow .
`` If he has time to immerse himself in Premier League football I think he can make it .
He ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and be the number nine and scoring goals , but if he has time I think he can do it . ''

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Braga striker Paulinho could well be the answer to Wolverhampton Wanderers’ prayers.
Wolves are looking to sign a striker this summer to compete with first choice forward Raul Jimenez and Paulinho is said to be high on their list of targets.
The 27-year-old scored 25 goals in 45 matches for Braga last term, including six in their run to the Europa League Round of 32.
He hasn’t played outside of Portugal yet, having joined Braga from Gil Vicente three years ago and operated with Trofense and Santa Maria before that.
But there’s a feeling that Paulinho, standing at 6ft 2ins, is well suited to the English game.
To find out more about the £23million-rated striker, BirminghamLive spoke to Portuguese journalist Luís Cristóvão.
Paulinho's long road to the top
Paulinho has scored 35 goals in 88 Primeira Liga games but he only made his top flight debut three years ago.
He is very much Portugal's answer to Jamie Vardy having started his career in non-league with his hometown club Santa Maria, moving up the ladder with Trofense and Gil Vicente, before joining Braga.
"It sometimes happens to players that during their youth years they don’t shine sufficiently to grab a place in an academy," Cristovao explains. "If you reach 17, 18-years-old playing in a non-league team then it’s hard to get out of that level.
"He had to take that road and played for Santa Maria and then went to Trofense and then Gil Vicente. He had to prove himself at all levels until reaching Braga.
"He played a good season in the second league and then moved to Braga. I blame it mostly on opportunity when you’re young. If you don’t have that soon enough you will have to prove yourself through all the leagues."
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Similarities to Jimenez
Paulinho has been touted as both a competitor for Jimenez and a replacement with Wolves' revered number nine attracting plenty of interest from Juventus and Manchester United.
Jimenez - a player who had been a bench-warmer at Atletico Madrid and Benfica - was an underwhelming signing when he arrived in 2018 but his record in old gold has been sensational.
And there are definitely similarities between Jimenez and the man being tipped to join Nuno Espirito Santo's side.
"Paulinho had an excellent season with Braga and is on the path to becoming a national team player," Cristovao explains.
"He’s very interesting with the ball. He has a lot of mobility. He’s not really a finisher, he’s more of a forward who can play with another striker. This kind of situation would be better for him. He’s very good in aerial duels and he has the physicality to play as a lone striker.
"In some ways he has the characteristics near Jimenez so I can see him being a player that will adapt himself to the way the team plays.
"He only has three seasons in the first division in Portugal. He is a good player but I can’t be sure how he will react in the Premier League."
The perfect fit?
The Wolves squad is made up of a Portuguese core with eight of Paulinho's compatriots already working under Nuno.
Ruben Neves, Joao Moutinho, Diogo Jota and Co have been key to developing the unique counter-attacking style which has brought Wolves success in the Premier League over the past two seasons.
And Cristovao - who has watched Paulinho at close quarters this season - believes Wolves' style is well suited to the Braga frontman.
"The way Wolverhampton plays I think it’s probably a match. He’ll be able to be supportive of the way the team plays.
"When Braga play in Europe and against the bigger teams in Portugal, they adapt their football to a more transitional style like Wolverhampton plays. For him, it would be something that he knows.
"It will depend a lot on the way his team plays and on the level of responsibility that he has. If you’re looking for Paulinho to be the second choice after Raul Jimenez, yes I think that would be good for him. He will have the time and patience to grow.
"If he has time to immerse himself in Premier League football I think he can make it. He’s not a guy who will get there and be the number nine and scoring goals, but if he has time I think he can do it."


birminghammail--2020-08-19--Woman in agony for 17 years after misdiagnosis handed £500k payout

A woman who spent 17 years in agony after bungling doctors misdiagnosed endometriosis as irritable bowel syndrome has won a £500,000 payout .
Frances Bell first attended a gynaecology appointment in 1997 after suffering pain when she was 14 years old .
She was told she had irritable bowel syndrome despite having the tell-tale symptoms of endometriosis including cramping and pain when she went to the toilet .
Over the years Frances , now 37 , made repeated visits to doctors and even researched her own symptoms and suspected she had endometriosis .
During a gynaecology assessment in 2001 an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but they dismissed her fears and refused to refer her for more tests .
She continued to experience pain and , in 2014 , after she had stopped taking contraception to prepare to try for a baby , the pain became so severe that she attended A & E .
She was then referred for further assessments and underwent keyhole exploratory surgery , a laparoscopy , in 2015 .
She was finally diagnosed with endometriosis when she was 31 but due to the delay in treating the disease it had reached Grade 4 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ naturally .
Frances was forced to give up her job as a primary school teacher due to the disease having spread around her ovary and bowel .
Despite the pain , she underwent IVF and she and biochemist husband Jon , 35 , had baby Harry in 2018 .
Frances still faces years of pain and was told she would need a hysterectomy and bowel resection in the future .
The Trust admitted that a laparoscopy should have been performed in 2001 and that the diagnosis of endometriosis would then have been reached @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an out of court settlement from the Trust .
She said she now hoped other women who were suffering similar symptoms would be inspired to get a second opinion from doctors .
Frances , of Mickleover , Derbys.
, said : “ When I was told , as a 14-year-old , that my classic endometriosis symptoms were exaggerated and imaginary , I felt forced to accept it .
“ This led to 17 years of pain , misery , and an eventual diagnosis of infertility , which has devastated the lives of myself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ husband : a situation that could so easily have been prevented .
“ I have to live with the consequences , caused by a total lack of investigation by two medical professionals , who were condescending about me in letters on my medical file .
“ Fortunately , we had our happy ending , as our beautiful son Harry was born in 2018 , following IVF .
“ Via social media , I have spoken to dozens of other women who felt they have been grossly let down in similar circumstances .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ diagnosed themselves perfectly , yet no one would take them seriously .
“ I hope my story will give hope and encouragement to others , to make a fuss , persevere , and trust their own minds when they feel something is wrong.
” Frances will now need to undergo a hysterectomy and bowel resection which carries risks of complications .
Leigh Day solicitor Stephen Jones , who represented Frances , said : “ It was quite shocking to me that Frances ’ s complaints were not taken seriously at the outset .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a result her endometriosis was left to become much more severe and that has adversely affected her life in many ways .
“ I am pleased that we were able to negotiate substantial compensation to reflect that and I hope that there is a more enlightened approach these days to the recognition and treatment of endometriosis.
” Nottingham University Hospitals Trust medical director , Dr Keith Girling , said : “ We are very sorry that the care Ms Bell received in 2001 fell below the normal standard we would expect for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ diagnosed her endometriosis earlier some of her distress could have been avoided , and for that we are truly sorry .
`` Our organisation sets itself high standards in terms of the care we deliver , and we are committed to learning and improving .
“ Over the last 19 years a lot has changed at our trust including practice in relation to diagnostic laparoscopy , for which we follow the 2017 NICE guidelines . ''

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A woman who spent 17 years in agony after bungling doctors misdiagnosed endometriosis as irritable bowel syndrome has won a £500,000 payout.
Frances Bell first attended a gynaecology appointment in 1997 after suffering pain when she was 14 years old.
She was told she had irritable bowel syndrome despite having the tell-tale symptoms of endometriosis including cramping and pain when she went to the toilet.
Over the years Frances, now 37, made repeated visits to doctors and even researched her own symptoms and suspected she had endometriosis.
During a gynaecology assessment in 2001 an 18-year-old Frances told medics of her concerns but they dismissed her fears and refused to refer her for more tests.
She continued to experience pain and, in 2014, after she had stopped taking contraception to prepare to try for a baby, the pain became so severe that she attended A&E.
(Image: SWNS)
She was then referred for further assessments and underwent keyhole exploratory surgery, a laparoscopy, in 2015.
She was finally diagnosed with endometriosis when she was 31 but due to the delay in treating the disease it had reached Grade 4, meaning she was unable to conceive naturally.
Frances was forced to give up her job as a primary school teacher due to the disease
having spread around her ovary and bowel.
Despite the pain, she underwent IVF and she and biochemist husband Jon, 35, had baby Harry in 2018.
Frances still faces years of pain and was told she would need a hysterectomy and bowel resection in the future.
She recruited Leigh Day medical negligence solicitors and sued Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust.
The Trust admitted that a laparoscopy should have been performed in 2001 and that the diagnosis of endometriosis would then have been reached.
Last week Frances received £500,000 in an out of court settlement from the Trust.
She said she now hoped other women who were suffering similar symptoms would be inspired to get a second opinion from doctors.
Frances, of Mickleover, Derbys., said: “When I was told, as a 14-year-old, that my classic endometriosis symptoms were exaggerated and imaginary, I felt forced to accept it.
“This led to 17 years of pain, misery, and an eventual diagnosis of infertility, which has devastated the lives of myself, my family, and my now husband: a situation that could so easily have been prevented.
(Image: SWNS)
“I have to live with the consequences, caused by a total lack of investigation by two medical professionals, who were condescending about me in letters on my medical file.
“Fortunately, we had our happy ending, as our beautiful son Harry was born in 2018, following IVF.
“Via social media, I have spoken to dozens of other women who felt they have been grossly let down in similar circumstances.
“Often, like me, they had diagnosed themselves perfectly, yet no one would take them seriously.
“I hope my story will give hope and encouragement to others, to make a fuss, persevere, and trust their own minds when they feel something is wrong.”
Frances will now need to undergo a hysterectomy and bowel resection which carries risks of complications.
Leigh Day solicitor Stephen Jones, who represented Frances, said: “It was quite shocking to me that Frances’s complaints were not taken seriously at the outset.
“She was treated quite patronisingly and as a result her endometriosis was left to become much more severe and that has adversely affected her life in many ways.
“I am pleased that we were able to negotiate substantial compensation to reflect that and I hope that there is a more enlightened approach these days to the recognition and treatment of endometriosis.”
(Image: SWNS)
Nottingham University Hospitals Trust medical director, Dr Keith Girling, said: “We are very sorry that the care Ms Bell received in 2001 fell below the normal standard we would expect for our patients.
"Had we correctly diagnosed her endometriosis earlier some of her distress could have been avoided, and for that we are truly sorry.
"Our organisation sets itself high standards in terms of the care we deliver, and we are committed to learning and improving.
“Over the last 19 years a lot has changed at our trust including practice in relation to diagnostic laparoscopy, for which we follow the 2017 NICE guidelines."


birminghammail--2020-08-19--Aston Villa transfers live - Rashica, Watkins & Brewster latest

Hello and welcome to Wednesday 's LIVE Aston Villa coverage from BirminghamLive .
We will be keeping you informed on all the key developments across today as Villa 's transfer window gathers pace and the new season draws closer .
We will be adding all the latest Villa news , views and rumours to our live blog throughout the day , with new signings and transfers continually linked to the club .
Since last week , Werder Bremen wing wizard Milot Rashica - valued at £20 million-plus - has been the name on everybody 's lips .
Brentford duo Ollie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remain top targets for Villa following the Bees ' play-off final defeat to Fulham .
There will be plenty on the likes of Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard , the latest regarding Douglas Luiz 's buy-back situation while , in Manchester , interest in £80million-rated Jack Grealish has cooled .
There 's also been a link involving a potential loan swoop for Liverpool youngster Rhian Brewster , scorer of 11 goals in 22 games out on-loan at Swansea last term .
So stay with us for today 's blog , below , and be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ latest Villa transfer news and opinion .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Alex Dicken, Ashley Preece, James Rushton)

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


birminghammail--2020-08-19--Two dead after 'explosion' at Staffordshire property

Two people have tragically died following a `` blast '' in the Midlands .
The pair have been confirmed dead after emergency services were called to reports of an `` explosion '' .
Police , paramedics and firefighters attended as emergency services were scrambled to the scene .
The incident unfolded on Saturday , August 15 , at around 10.15am , in Stone , reports StokeonTrentLive .
Flames were seen at a property on Biddles Lane , with smoke billowing from the house .
Despite the best efforts of emergency services , both people were pronounced dead inside .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confirmed : `` We were called by the fire service to reports of a fire at a property on Biddles Lane , Cotes Heath , Stafford at 10.14am on Saturday , August 15 . ''
The statement added : `` Three paramedic officers , an ambulance and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Tatenhill attended the scene .
`` Sadly , it quickly became apparent that nothing could be done to save two occupants and they were confirmed deceased on scene . ''
The air ambulance was also scrambled to the scene .
One @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that there was a large explosion and fire at a house/garage opposite Cranberry Commercials and inside the motor car in the garage , there were a couple who died in the fire .
`` There was a huge police and fire service presence . ''

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Matt Jackson, James Rodger)

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Two people have tragically died following a "blast" in the Midlands.
The pair have been confirmed dead after emergency services were called to reports of an "explosion".
The supposed blast occurred at a North Staffordshire property.
Police, paramedics and firefighters attended as emergency services were scrambled to the scene.
The incident unfolded on Saturday, August 15, at around 10.15am, in Stone, reports StokeonTrentLive.
Flames were seen at a property on Biddles Lane, with smoke billowing from the house.
Despite the best efforts of emergency services, both people were pronounced dead inside.
A spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance Service has confirmed: "We were called by the fire service to reports of a fire at a property on Biddles Lane, Cotes Heath, Stafford at 10.14am on Saturday, August 15."
The statement added: "Three paramedic officers, an ambulance and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Tatenhill attended the scene.
"Sadly, it quickly became apparent that nothing could be done to save two occupants and they were confirmed deceased on scene."
The air ambulance was also scrambled to the scene.
One neighbour said: "It would appear that there was a large explosion and fire at a house/garage opposite Cranberry Commercials and inside the motor car in the garage, there were a couple who died in the fire.
"There was a huge police and fire service presence."


birminghammail--2020-08-19--Traffic police in Worcestershire are sharing more incidents of illegal driving

Traffic police in Worcestershire have been sharing incidents of the dangerous and illegal driving they have had to deal with across the county 's roads .
They include a motorist caught drug driving for the third time , a drink driver speeding at 100mph on a dual carriageway and a cloned BMW .
All were caught and stopped by officers from Operations Patrol Unit ( OPU ) Worcestershire as they drove around the West Mercia area in recent days .
Officers patrolling in Ombersley stopped a driver on the A449 for not wearing a seatbelt and also carried out a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and when they checked their records , found it was the third time this year he had been arrested for drug-driving .
They tweeted details of the arrest , saying : `` Driver stopped for not wearing a seatbelt and positive roadside drug swipe , A449 , Ombersley .
Third time this driver has been arrested for drug drive in 2020 ... ..clearly not learning their lesson ... .tut tut . ''
In another incident , police caught a driver speeding at nearly 100mph on the A435 in Portway , near Redditch - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the limit .
In a tweet they said : `` When you overtake an unmarked police vehicle at nearly 100mph on the A435 Portway and then found to be drink driving , it 's safe to say the year 2020 is only going to get worse for you . ''
In Bromsgrove , officers found a cloned BMW 2 Series which had been outstanding since February .
They also caught a disqualified driver who at first refused to stop , before eventually pulling up and giving himself up in a petrol station .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a patrol of the Frankley Services found a Citroen Picasso which was being driven without insurance .
OPU Worcestershire tweeted : `` Driver had bought it today , but decided not to insure it !
Vehicle was seized & driver reported .
6 points & £300 fine will be in the post . ''

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Traffic police in Worcestershire have been sharing incidents of the dangerous and illegal driving they have had to deal with across the county's roads.
They include a motorist caught drug driving for the third time, a drink driver speeding at 100mph on a dual carriageway and a cloned BMW.
All were caught and stopped by officers from Operations Patrol Unit (OPU) Worcestershire as they drove around the West Mercia area in recent days.
Officers patrolling in Ombersley stopped a driver on the A449 for not wearing a seatbelt and also carried out a roadside drugs test. This proved positive and when they checked their records, found it was the third time this year he had been arrested for drug-driving.
They tweeted details of the arrest, saying: "Driver stopped for not wearing a seatbelt and positive roadside drug swipe, A449, Ombersley. Third time this driver has been arrested for drug drive in 2020.....clearly not learning their lesson....tut tut."
In another incident, police caught a driver speeding at nearly 100mph on the A435 in Portway, near Redditch - and then discovered the occupant was over the limit.
In a tweet they said: "When you overtake an unmarked police vehicle at nearly 100mph on the A435 Portway and then found to be drink driving, it's safe to say the year 2020 is only going to get worse for you."
In Bromsgrove, officers found a cloned BMW 2 Series which had been outstanding since February. They also caught a disqualified driver who at first refused to stop, before eventually pulling up and giving himself up in a petrol station.
And on the M5, officers doing a patrol of the Frankley Services found a Citroen Picasso which was being driven without insurance.
OPU Worcestershire tweeted: "Driver had bought it today, but decided not to insure it! Vehicle was seized & driver reported. 6 points & £300 fine will be in the post."


birminghammail--2020-08-19--Delivery driver hit and 'dragged down' street trying to stop carjacking

A delivery driver was knocked over and dragged down a street as he desperately tried to stop a carjacker stealing his van .
The victim was away from his white Ford Transit van in Cannon Drive , Coseley , when a thief jumped inside and began to drive off at around 1.30pm on Tuesday , August 18 .
The 55-year-old tried to stop the van but witnesses told BlackCountryLive he was hit and 'dragged down the road ' .
Medics treated the victim - believed to be a Yodel driver - at the scene for a suspect broken shoulder and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ treatment .
Officers were collating CCTV footage from around the area and carrying out house-to-house enquiries as investigations continue .
A spokesman for the force added : `` We are investigating after being called to reports of a carjacking in Cannon Drive , Coseley at just after 1.20pm yesterday ( Tuesday , August 18 ) .
`` It is understood that , while a delivery driver was away from the white Transit van , a man got inside it .
`` The 55-year-old delivery man tried to stop the van being taken but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was driven away .
`` He was later treated in hospital for a suspected broken shoulder .
`` Anyone who knows where the stolen van , registration AV10 YAO , is or who has any information about the robbery is asked to contact detectives . ''
Those with information should get in touch with police via Live Chat at www.west-midlands.police.uk or call 101 , alternatively to remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 , quoting crime number 20DY/196687l/20

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A delivery driver was knocked over and dragged down a street as he desperately tried to stop a carjacker stealing his van.
The victim was away from his white Ford Transit van in Cannon Drive, Coseley, when a thief jumped inside and began to drive off at around 1.30pm on Tuesday, August 18.
The 55-year-old tried to stop the van but witnesses told BlackCountryLive he was hit and 'dragged down the road'.
Medics treated the victim - believed to be a Yodel driver - at the scene for a suspect broken shoulder and he was taken to hospital for further treatment.
Officers were collating CCTV footage from around the area and carrying out house-to-house enquiries as investigations continue.
A spokesman for the force added: "We are investigating after being called to reports of a carjacking in Cannon Drive, Coseley at just after 1.20pm yesterday (Tuesday, August 18).
"It is understood that, while a delivery driver was away from the white Transit van, a man got inside it.
"The 55-year-old delivery man tried to stop the van being taken but was hit by the vehicle as it was driven away.
"He was later treated in hospital for a suspected broken shoulder.
"Anyone who knows where the stolen van, registration AV10 YAO, is or who has any information about the robbery is asked to contact detectives."
Those with information should get in touch with police via Live Chat at www.west-midlands.police.uk or call 101, alternatively to remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, quoting crime number 20DY/196687l/20


birminghammail--2020-08-19--Man robbed and attacked outside of Barclays Bank

An appeal to trace three men in connection with a man being robbed and attacked outside Barclays Bank has been issued by police .
The incident happened outside the branch on Washwood Heath Road in Ward End on Friday , July 10 .
West Midlands Police stated a man was a victim of a distraction theft before being assaulted .
The force released CCTV stills of three men they are looking for in relation to the incident .
One image shows an Asian male with a black beard wearing white trainers , and what appears to be a navy blue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ logo in the middle of the hooded top .
He also has on a black or dark coloured baseball cap with a thick white line or mark across the face .
Another photo shows an Asian male wearing all black clothing with the hood pulled up .
The third still shows a man , similarly wearing all plain black clothing with a baseball cap and a white mask covering his face .
A Tweet from Birmingham Police said : `` APPEAL Do you recognise these men ?
We want to talk to them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distraction theft outside Barclays Bank in Washwood Heath Road , Ward End on July 10 .
Anyone with information should contact the force using the Live Chat tool on the website west-midlands.police.uk or by calling 101 .
Use the crime reference number 20BE/160777A/20 .
Follow our Birmingham and West Midlands court news Facebook page and also our Birmingham Crime Watch group .

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An appeal to trace three men in connection with a man being robbed and attacked outside Barclays Bank has been issued by police.
The incident happened outside the branch on Washwood Heath Road in Ward End on Friday, July 10. West Midlands Police stated a man was a victim of a distraction theft before being assaulted.
The force released CCTV stills of three men they are looking for in relation to the incident.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
One image shows an Asian male with a black beard wearing white trainers, and what appears to be a navy blue tracksuit with a large red and white logo in the middle of the hooded top. He also has on a black or dark coloured baseball cap with a thick white line or mark across the face.
Another photo shows an Asian male wearing all black clothing with the hood pulled up. The third still shows a man, similarly wearing all plain black clothing with a baseball cap and a white mask covering his face.
A Tweet from Birmingham Police said: "APPEAL Do you recognise these men? We want to talk to them after a man was assaulted following a distraction theft outside Barclays Bank in Washwood Heath Road, Ward End on July 10.
Anyone with information should contact the force using the Live Chat tool on the website west-midlands.police.uk or by calling 101. Use the crime reference number 20BE/160777A/20.
Follow our Birmingham and West Midlands court news Facebook page and also our Birmingham Crime Watch group.


birminghammail--2020-08-19--Darlaston pub from 19th Century to be turned into flats

A former Darlaston pub is to be converted into apartments after planners gave the thumbs up to a proposal .
Jacob Asset Management 's scheme will see the old Prince of Wales , on Walsall Road , turned into flats - with two on the ground floor and three on the first .
The pub , built in the 19th century , was put on the market last year after efforts to lease it to a new tenant had failed .
Developers said declining pub business - not least because of nearby competition from other venues - and a need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were the main reasons behind the new scheme .
This proposal was submitted in October last year before Walsall Council planning officers finally granted permission earlier this week .
In their application , the developers said : `` The property was previously used as a pub , however previous years have seen decrease in trade and increase in brewery and business rates .
`` It is therefore not a viable option to keep the pub open due to its operating at a loss .
`` Due to the close proximity of the Darlaston @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has seen an increase in development , many of the customers now visit these pubs .
`` The pub is also located within a residential estate which doesn ’ t not get much local trade. ''
Previous owners have tried to refurbish and lease the pub out for a number of years , but only minimal interest was received with no offers coming forward .
Following this the brewery decided to dispose of the site .
`` The new vendor is seeking a longer-term solution for the building and its felt meeting the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ future of the building .
`` The local area is growing with student intake increasing on a yearly basis and smaller studio apartments required within the local area . ''

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A former Darlaston pub is to be converted into apartments after planners gave the thumbs up to a proposal.
Jacob Asset Management's scheme will see the old Prince of Wales, on Walsall Road, turned into flats - with two on the ground floor and three on the first.
The pub, built in the 19th century, was put on the market last year after efforts to lease it to a new tenant had failed.
Developers said declining pub business - not least because of nearby competition from other venues - and a need for more residential property in the area were the main reasons behind the new scheme.
This proposal was submitted in October last year before Walsall Council planning officers finally granted permission earlier this week.
In their application, the developers said: "The property was previously used as a pub, however previous years have seen decrease in trade and increase in brewery and business rates.
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"It is therefore not a viable option to keep the pub open due to its operating at a loss.
"Due to the close proximity of the Darlaston Town Centre, which in previous years has seen an increase in development, many of the customers now visit these pubs.
"The pub is also located within a residential estate which doesn’t not get much local trade.
" Previous owners have tried to refurbish and lease the pub out for a number of years, but only minimal interest was received with no offers coming forward. Following this the brewery decided to dispose of the site.
"The new vendor is seeking a longer-term solution for the building and its felt meeting the demand for local housing will secure the future of the building.
"The local area is growing with student intake increasing on a yearly basis and smaller studio apartments required within the local area."


birminghammail--2020-08-19--Mum's stomach 'drops' after shocking LOL Doll discovery in cold water

A LOL Doll has left a mum 'speechless ' after cold water revealed 'very dark ' hidden lingerie .
The mum was left stunned after the jaw-dropping discovery in Carluke , in Scotland .
She told our sister title GlasgowLive all about the incident , which left her gobsmacked .
Lisa McBride said : “ My cousin asked if I 'd seen what happened when you put the dolls in water .
“ I said it wasn ’ t the LOL Dolls , as I didn ’ t remember it saying anything about putting them in water on the packaging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now .
“ She said some of the stuff was shocking , but I didn ’ t think it would be on those dolls.
” “ I said I better check Ashton ’ s dolls , ” said Lisa .
“ The first one was enough for me .
“ I took its clothes off and put it under cold water .
At first , it came up only slightly but what shocked me more was that when I put it in iced water , it came up straight away .
“ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legs - it looked like it was wearing fishnet tights , knee high boots , and to me it looked like it had shackles or something on its wrist - two black bands .
“ I was totally shocked .
My stomach dropped - the fact it had changed so much .
“ I kept thinking , how is it there ?
Why ?
It ’ s hidden .
I couldn ’ t understand it .
“ I didn ’ t think it was marketed like that .
They ’ re for ages @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anyway .
“ They ’ re surprise dolls , they come in balls and you can ’ t see what one you get .
You get different things for it , clothes and things .
But that isn ’ t for kids.
” Lisa took to her own social media to share her findings and was swamped with messages from other mothers finding the same thing - one woman had a doll wearing what looked like suspenders , with another ’ s doll having a tattoo .
While some LOL Dolls do nothing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Snopes.com said the claims of 'hidden costumes ' were 'mostly true ' , and that the dolls are designed to change when submerged in water .
Lisa continued , “ It ’ s not right .
I ’ m not going to be buying anymore , and Ashton loves them so she can ’ t understand why I won ’ t let her play with them anymore .
“ I ’ m going to be looking further now before I buy her toys instead of just reading the back of the boxes - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we should have to .
“ With Barbie dolls , you know what you were buying , there were no genital areas on Barbie or Ken , nothing hidden or deceptive .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Carla Jenkins, James Rodger)

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A LOL Doll has left a mum 'speechless' after cold water revealed 'very dark' hidden lingerie.
The mum was left stunned after the jaw-dropping discovery in Carluke, in Scotland.
She told our sister title GlasgowLive all about the incident, which left her gobsmacked.
Lisa McBride said: “My cousin asked if I'd seen what happened when you put the dolls in water.
“I said it wasn’t the LOL Dolls, as I didn’t remember it saying anything about putting them in water on the packaging and I don't have the box now.
“She said some of the stuff was shocking, but I didn’t think it would be on those dolls.”
“I said I better check Ashton’s dolls,” said Lisa. “The first one was enough for me.
“I took its clothes off and put it under cold water. At first, it came up only slightly but what shocked me more was that when I put it in iced water, it came up straight away.
“The doll had stuff on the arms and legs - it looked like it was wearing fishnet tights, knee high boots, and to me it looked like it had shackles or something on its wrist - two black bands.
“I was totally shocked. My stomach dropped - the fact it had changed so much.
“I kept thinking, how is it there? Why? It’s hidden. I couldn’t understand it.
“I didn’t think it was marketed like that. They’re for ages three and up - very young children anyway.
“They’re surprise dolls, they come in balls and you can’t see what one you get. You get different things for it, clothes and things. But that isn’t for kids.”
Lisa took to her own social media to share her findings and was swamped with messages from other mothers finding the same thing - one woman had a doll wearing what looked like suspenders, with another’s doll having a tattoo.
While some LOL Dolls do nothing when placed in water, fact-checking website Snopes.com said the claims of 'hidden costumes' were 'mostly true', and that the dolls are designed to change when submerged in water.
Lisa continued, “It’s not right. I’m not going to be buying anymore, and Ashton loves them so she can’t understand why I won’t let her play with them anymore.
“I’m going to be looking further now before I buy her toys instead of just reading the back of the boxes - but I don’t see why we should have to.
“With Barbie dolls, you know what you were buying, there were no genital areas on Barbie or Ken, nothing hidden or deceptive.
“It’s very dark.”


birminghammail--2020-08-19--Mum's three-word trick to get £50 Tesco shop at Aldi prices online

A mum has shared her genius way to get Tesco food at Aldi prices online - and anyone can do it too .
Tesco is one of Britain 's Big Four supermarkets - alongside Sainsbury 's , Asda and Morrisons .
Last week , a Which ?
study found Aldi , the German budget retailer , was the cheapest supermarket in the UK .
Tesco was the fifth cheapest - behind Lidl and Asda as well as Iceland .
Britain 's biggest grocer is one of the go-to supermarkets for Birmingham consumers with stores across the city and throughout the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a new Aldi price match promise on a number of staples .
The price match system on everything bread , pasta , soup , frozen foods and even fruits and vegetables .
The shopper explained : `` It ’ s not £1 a day but it 's a massive drop in what I usually end up spending on food .
`` This lot will feed my family of four for a week .
`` I ’ m talking breakfast , lunch , dinner and snacks and it was all delivered from Tesco for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I am a massive Aldi fan , but couldn ’ t get to the shop , so I typed 'Aldi price match ' in the search bar and just got my shopping from Tesco .
`` I already have in lentils , pasta , onions , potatoes and most herbs , spices and stock cubes .
Plus baking stuff- flour , yeast etc . ''
By typing Aldi Price Match into the search bar when you shop online at Tesco , you can find which products are the same or cheaper than Aldi @ @

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A mum has shared her genius way to get Tesco food at Aldi prices online - and anyone can do it too.
Tesco is one of Britain's Big Four supermarkets - alongside Sainsbury's, Asda and Morrisons.
Last week, a Which? study found Aldi, the German budget retailer, was the cheapest supermarket in the UK.
Tesco was the fifth cheapest - behind Lidl and Asda as well as Iceland.
Britain's biggest grocer is one of the go-to supermarkets for Birmingham consumers with stores across the city and throughout the region.
The retail giant has launched a new Aldi price match promise on a number of staples.
(Image: BPM MEDIA)
The price match system on everything bread, pasta, soup, frozen foods and even fruits and vegetables.
The shopper explained: "It’s not £1 a day but it's a massive drop in what I usually end up spending on food.
"This lot will feed my family of four for a week.
"I’m talking breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks and it was all delivered from Tesco for £50!"
She continued: "I am a massive Aldi fan, but couldn’t get to the shop, so I typed 'Aldi price match' in the search bar and just got my shopping from Tesco.
"I already have in lentils, pasta, onions, potatoes and most herbs, spices and stock cubes. Plus baking stuff- flour, yeast etc."
By typing Aldi Price Match into the search bar when you shop online at Tesco, you can find which products are the same or cheaper than Aldi prices.


birminghammail--2020-08-19--First picture of horror crash drink driver who left woman paralysed

This is the face of a 'reckless ' drink-driver who smashed his Ford Focus into a tree while more than double the limit - leaving one woman paralysed .
Aaron Wood was jailed for two years and eight months at Birmingham Crown Court yesterday , Tuesday , August 18 , and told he would miss the birth of his child .
The 30-year-old , from Portsmouth , admitted two charges of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and one count of drink-driving .
Two of his three passengers were thrown from his car when he lost control in Alcester Road @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saturday , January 25 .
One of them , 32-year-old Canadian woman Angela Gaspari , suffered severe spinal cord injuries and was declared tetraplegic - the partial or total loss of use of all four limbs .
Wood was told she would require extensive life-long care , needed help with 'every basic task ' and would be in a wheelchair long-term .
Miss Gaspari appeared in court via a live video-link and emotionally described her injuries as a 'life sentence ' .
Her mother Helen told Wood : 'You will never understand the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ girlfriend Bethany Shepley-Brook , 28 , who is expecting their child , was also flung from the car during the crash .
She is still suffering the effects of her injuries which were a bleed on the brain , fractured skull , ribs and pelvis , bruised lungs and lacerated liver and spleen .
Neither of the women had been wearing seat belts in the backseat of the Focus , while a third passenger , a man they had only met that night , escaped uninjured .
Wood issued a public apology to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Barnes described him as a 'decent , hard-working young man who has taken a hopelessly reckless decision on one night ' .
Judge Melbourne Inman QC also disqualified him from driving for eight years and four months .
He described the effects of the crash as 'catastrophic ' telling Wood that Miss Gaspari had 'lost all form of independence ' and that his girlfriend would 'continue to suffer ' while he was in prison .
Reacting to the sentence Claire Nicholls from the Crown Prosecution Service said : `` This was a horrific @ @ @ @ @ @ @ injured as a result of Aaron Wood 's actions .
One victim suffered catastrophic and devastating injuries which will change her life forever .
`` I want to thank both victims for their courage and support of the prosecution case throughout these proceedings .
While the sentence can never replace the trauma they have suffered , I hope the fact that justice has been delivered brings some comfort to them . ''

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This is the face of a 'reckless' drink-driver who smashed his Ford Focus into a tree while more than double the limit - leaving one woman paralysed.
Aaron Wood was jailed for two years and eight months at Birmingham Crown Court yesterday, Tuesday, August 18, and told he would miss the birth of his child.
The 30-year-old, from Portsmouth, admitted two charges of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and one count of drink-driving.
Two of his three passengers were thrown from his car when he lost control in Alcester Road, Moseley, shortly after midnight on Saturday, January 25.
(Image: West Midlands Police)
One of them, 32-year-old Canadian woman Angela Gaspari, suffered severe spinal cord injuries and was declared tetraplegic - the partial or total loss of use of all four limbs.
Wood was told she would require extensive life-long care, needed help with 'every basic task' and would be in a wheelchair long-term.
Miss Gaspari appeared in court via a live video-link and emotionally described her injuries as a 'life sentence'. Her mother Helen told Wood: 'You will never understand the devastation you have caused'.
His girlfriend Bethany Shepley-Brook, 28, who is expecting their child, was also flung from the car during the crash. She is still suffering the effects of her injuries which were a bleed on the brain, fractured skull, ribs and pelvis, bruised lungs and lacerated liver and spleen.
Neither of the women had been wearing seat belts in the backseat of the Focus, while a third passenger, a man they had only met that night, escaped uninjured.
Wood issued a public apology to the victims. His defence barrister Ashley Barnes described him as a 'decent, hard-working young man who has taken a hopelessly reckless decision on one night'.
Judge Melbourne Inman QC also disqualified him from driving for eight years and four months.
He described the effects of the crash as 'catastrophic' telling Wood that Miss Gaspari had 'lost all form of independence' and that his girlfriend would 'continue to suffer' while he was in prison.
Reacting to the sentence Claire Nicholls from the Crown Prosecution Service said: "This was a horrific incident involving two victims who were seriously injured as a result of Aaron Wood's actions. One victim suffered catastrophic and devastating injuries which will change her life forever.
"I want to thank both victims for their courage and support of the prosecution case throughout these proceedings. While the sentence can never replace the trauma they have suffered, I hope the fact that justice has been delivered brings some comfort to them."


birminghammail--2020-08-19--15 places where Covid is rising fast - including three in West Midlands

15 parts of the country where coronavirus is rising fast have been revealed - and the list includes Birmingham , Coventry and Staffordshire .
The figures from Public Health England show that Brum , Cov and East Staffs are among the areas where cases are rising .
It comes amid fears that Birmingham could be put into a Leicester-style lockdown , after the rate went up to around 30 from 19.7 last week .
Kirklees has also seen a worrying rise , while Northampton has England 's highest rate - thanks to an outbreak at the Greencore sandwich factory , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 80 parts of the country have a rate higher than 10 - including Sandwell , Wolverhampton and parts of Staffordshire and Warwickshire .
Of the 80 , around 50 have seen spikes week-on-week , with increases prevalent in the Midlands and also London .
Northampton has seen its rate of cases up from 38.7 to 124.2 , with spikes in Blackburn and Manchester also , as well as Salford , Kirkless and Bury .
The full list of rising rates can be seen below , with Birmingham seeing a rise from 19.7 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 21.3 .
East Staffordshire has gone up to 1.5 from a lowly level of six last week .
Other parts of the country to record rises are Melton , which has risen to 25 , and Oadby and Wigston , as well as Woking , Craven and Barnsley .
Richmond upon Thames completes the list of 15 .
• Northampton ( up from 38.7 to 124.2 ) • Blackburn with Darwen ( up from 68.1 to 86.2 ) • Manchester ( up from 37.3 to 47.6 ) • Salford ( up from 27.4 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from 30.0 to 35.7 ) • Birmingham ( up from 19.7 to 31.7 ) • Bury ( up from 26.7 to 33.0 ) • Melton ( up from 13.7 to 25.4 ) • Oadby and Wigston ( up from 12.3 to 24.6 ) • Woking ( up from 7.9 to 22.8 ) • Craven ( up from 1.8 to 22.8 ) • Barnsley ( up from 14.2 to 22.3 ) • Richmond upon Thames ( up from 5.1 to 19.2 ) • East Staffordshire ( up from 6.7 to 17.5 ) • Coventry @ @ @ @ @ @ @

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15 parts of the country where coronavirus is rising fast have been revealed - and the list includes Birmingham, Coventry and Staffordshire.
The figures from Public Health England show that Brum, Cov and East Staffs are among the areas where cases are rising.
It comes amid fears that Birmingham could be put into a Leicester-style lockdown, after the rate went up to around 30 from 19.7 last week.
Kirklees has also seen a worrying rise, while Northampton has England's highest rate - thanks to an outbreak at the Greencore sandwich factory, according to Mirror Online.
Across England, 80 parts of the country have a rate higher than 10 - including Sandwell, Wolverhampton and parts of Staffordshire and Warwickshire.
Of the 80, around 50 have seen spikes week-on-week, with increases prevalent in the Midlands and also London.
Northampton has seen its rate of cases up from 38.7 to 124.2, with spikes in Blackburn and Manchester also, as well as Salford, Kirkless and Bury.
The full list of rising rates can be seen below, with Birmingham seeing a rise from 19.7 to 31.7, and Coventry up to 21.3. East Staffordshire has gone up to 1.5 from a lowly level of six last week.
Other parts of the country to record rises are Melton, which has risen to 25, and Oadby and Wigston, as well as Woking, Craven and Barnsley.
Richmond upon Thames completes the list of 15.
Northampton (up from 38.7 to 124.2)
Blackburn with Darwen (up from 68.1 to 86.2)
Manchester (up from 37.3 to 47.6)
Salford (up from 27.4 to 36.7)
Kirklees (up from 30.0 to 35.7)
Birmingham (up from 19.7 to 31.7)
Bury (up from 26.7 to 33.0)


birminghammail--2020-08-19--Aston Villa transfer boost as Man United eye Grealish alternative

Manchester United are turning their attentions away from Jadon Sancho and Jack Grealish , with Bournemouth 's David Brooks now high on their transfer agenda .
According to Metro Sport - via Sport Witness - United are ready to move quickly on Brooks knowing Dortmund and Aston Villa are both unwilling to budge on their respective £108 million and £80 million valuations of Sancho and Grealish .
Dortmund have , of course , played down Sancho 's exit , telling the media the England winger , 20 , is simply not for sale unless their hefty asking price is met @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Jack Grealish transfer updates Why should you sign up ?
The future of star player Jack Grealish is the biggest talking point of the summer and we will bring you all the news around his future .
In our daily Aston Villa bulletin , we 'll be bringing you the latest breaking news , transfer features and comment pieces , as well as the key talking points for fans .
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It 's easy and only takes seconds .
Simply type your email address into the box @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hit sign up .
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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 do n't think you 'll want to .
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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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the latest news from across the region .
Google Play Store and App Store As for Villa , chief executive Christian Purslow and head coach Dean Smith are due to speak with Grealish at Bodymoor Heath this week as they look to iron out a bumper new contract for their star man .
It means Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will now enquire about 23-year-old Brooks , with United seemingly seeing the talented Wales international as the ideal back-up transfer in their pursuit of a play-making winger .
Championship outfit Bournemouth , though , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brooks following interest from United last year , but that was before the Cherries were relegated .
As for Brooks , he 's a boyhood Manchester United fan and would be desperate for that switch .
Manchester Evening News have today reported how a £40 million deal could get done , exactly half of Villa 's reported asking price for Grealish .
Brooks , who 's left footed but plays on the right , was formerly at Man City 's academy before making breaking through at Sheffield United prior to sealing a £10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2018 .
The winger had a stellar first campaign in the Premier League on the south-coast scoring seven and assisting five but , last year , was restricted to just nine appearances after sustaining a nasty ankle injury .
As for United 's pursuit , Brooks clearly fits the bill .
Solskjaer wants a household British name to add directness and dynamism out wide and , with Sancho and Grealish unwilling to force through moves , Brooks appears to be the next best - and most-viable - option at present which will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

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Manchester United are turning their attentions away from Jadon Sancho and Jack Grealish, with Bournemouth's David Brooks now high on their transfer agenda.
According to Metro Sport - via Sport Witness - United are ready to move quickly on Brooks knowing Dortmund and Aston Villa are both unwilling to budge on their respective £108 million and £80 million valuations of Sancho and Grealish.
Dortmund have, of course, played down Sancho's exit, telling the media the England winger, 20, is simply not for sale unless their hefty asking price is met.
Sign up to our Aston Villa newsletter for David Brooks updates Why should you sign up? Aston Villa have been strongly linked with a move for Bournemouth midfielder David Brooks. Sign up for our daily Villa bulletin and you can get the latest updates on any move for Brooks straight to your inbox. 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.
As for Villa, chief executive Christian Purslow and head coach Dean Smith are due to speak with Grealish at Bodymoor Heath this week as they look to iron out a bumper new contract for their star man.
It means Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will now enquire about 23-year-old Brooks, with United seemingly seeing the talented Wales international as the ideal back-up transfer in their pursuit of a play-making winger.
Championship outfit Bournemouth, though, previously put a £50 million bounty on Brooks following interest from United last year, but that was before the Cherries were relegated. As for Brooks, he's a boyhood Manchester United fan and would be desperate for that switch. Manchester Evening News have today reported how a £40 million deal could get done, exactly half of Villa's reported asking price for Grealish.
Brooks, who's left footed but plays on the right, was formerly at Man City's academy before making breaking through at Sheffield United prior to sealing a £10 million transfer to the Vitality Stadium back in 2018.
The winger had a stellar first campaign in the Premier League on the south-coast scoring seven and assisting five but, last year, was restricted to just nine appearances after sustaining a nasty ankle injury.
As for United's pursuit, Brooks clearly fits the bill. Solskjaer wants a household British name to add directness and dynamism out wide and, with Sancho and Grealish unwilling to force through moves, Brooks appears to be the next best - and most-viable - option at present which will be welcome news for Smith and Villa.


birminghammail--2020-08-19--Dr Hilary Jones shares how close Birmingham is to local lockdown

Dr Hilary Jones has spoken out over the chances of Birmingham facing a `` local lockdown '' during today 's edition of Lorraine .
The medical professional and healthcare expert has a regular stint on a string of ITV1 daytime TV shows - including Good Morning Britain .
On Lorraine during Wednesday 's instalment on August 19 , Dr Hilary spoke out amid reports the city was `` on the road '' to lockdown .
Asked by stand-in presenter Andi Peters over the possibility of Birmingham being hit by a localised lockdown , Dr Hilary gave his view .
Addressing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going one way '' with Birmingham `` going in the other '' , Dr Hilary was cautious .
`` Birmingham is on the national watch list , '' he began .
`` So they know the cases in the Birmingham area have doubled in the last week .
`` This is why we check those transmission rates and we can then inform local councils as to what to do next .
`` So it is a concern .
We will watch it and if it gets worse , people will act on that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we need some lockdown in Birmingham then to protect the population ' . ''
`` Oh gosh , '' Andi replied .
`` I hang on your every word . ''
The comments from Dr Hilary today came after director of public health , Dr Justin Varney , said it was likely the city would feature in the national `` watch list '' of places most at risk of intervention within days .
The city had an infection rate of around 12 cases per 100,000 of the population at the start of August @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the end of last week , and on August 17 ( Monday ) it stood at 'around 30 ' , according to Mr Varney .

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Dr Hilary Jones has spoken out over the chances of Birmingham facing a "local lockdown" during today's edition of Lorraine.
The medical professional and healthcare expert has a regular stint on a string of ITV1 daytime TV shows - including Good Morning Britain.
On Lorraine during Wednesday's instalment on August 19, Dr Hilary spoke out amid reports the city was "on the road" to lockdown.
Asked by stand-in presenter Andi Peters over the possibility of Birmingham being hit by a localised lockdown, Dr Hilary gave his view.
Addressing Andi, who suggested Leicester was "going one way" with Birmingham "going in the other", Dr Hilary was cautious.
"Birmingham is on the national watch list," he began.
"So they know the cases in the Birmingham area have doubled in the last week.
"This is why we check those transmission rates and we can then inform local councils as to what to do next.
"So it is a concern. We will watch it and if it gets worse, people will act on that national watch list and say 'right, we need some lockdown in Birmingham then to protect the population'."
"Oh gosh," Andi replied. "I hang on your every word."
The comments from Dr Hilary today came after director of public health, Dr Justin Varney, said it was likely the city would feature in the national "watch list" of places most at risk of intervention within days.
The city had an infection rate of around 12 cases per 100,000 of the population at the start of August. That then increased to 24 by the end of last week, and on August 17 (Monday) it stood at 'around 30', according to Mr Varney.


birminghammail--2020-08-19--Lotto results: Winning National Lottery numbers for Wednesday

Tonight 's winning National Lottery numbers have been revealed - and the draw means you could be winning BIG .
Camelot , the operator of the National Lottery , conducted the Lotto and Thunderball draws this evening .
Birmingham residents looking for a life-changing sum of money can also play the EuroMillions , with draws twice a week taking place on Tuesday evenings and Friday nights .
The main UK Lotto draw will take place at 8pm .
There will also be the Thunderball draw at 8.15pm where could win £500,000 .
To play , you simply select five numbers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lucky Star numbers from 1-12 .
If you really can ’ t choose and you ’ re finding the pressure too much , you can always select a Lucky Dip and let the machine choose a random selection for you .
Lotto draws take place on Wednesday and Saturday evenings from approximately 8.30pm .
Ticket sales for both Tuesday and Friday EuroMillions draws close at 7.30pm on the evening of the draw .
If you ’ ve missed out , you can buy your ticket for the next draw almost straight away - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ won the top prize in Wednesday 's Lotto draw , meaning Saturday 's jackpot is an estimated £4 million .
One lucky player scooped £1 million by matching five of six numbers and the bonus ball .
The winning National Lottery numbers were 21 , 22 , 32 , 36 , 45 , 50 and the bonus ball was 05 .
Set of balls number two and draw machine Arthur were used .
Some 35 ticket-holders earned themselves £1,750 each after matching five numbers , while 1,868 people matched four balls to win @ @ @ @ @ @ @ winners in the Lotto HotPicks draw , but four ticket-holders won £13,000 each after matching four out of five numbers .
No-one scooped the top prize in the Thunderball draw .
The winning Thunderball numbers were 01 , 03 , 10 , 20 , 21 and the Thunderball was 14 .

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Tonight's winning National Lottery numbers have been revealed - and the draw means you could be winning BIG.
Camelot, the operator of the National Lottery, conducted the Lotto and Thunderball draws this evening.
Birmingham residents looking for a life-changing sum of money can also play the EuroMillions, with draws twice a week taking place on Tuesday evenings and Friday nights.
The main UK Lotto draw will take place at 8pm. There will also be the Thunderball draw at 8.15pm where could win £500,000.
Lottery Tickets cost £2 per line, and include a raffle Millionaire Maker entry code. Thunderball Tickets cost £1.
To play, you simply select five numbers between 1 and 50, plus two Lucky Star numbers from 1-12.
If you really can’t choose and you’re finding the pressure too much, you can always select a Lucky Dip and let the machine choose a random selection for you.
Lotto draws take place on Wednesday and Saturday evenings from approximately 8.30pm.
EuroMillions draws happen on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Ticket sales for both Tuesday and Friday EuroMillions draws close at 7.30pm on the evening of the draw.
If you’ve missed out, you can buy your ticket for the next draw almost straight away - sales re-open at 9pm.
No ticket-holders won the top prize in Wednesday's Lotto draw, meaning Saturday's jackpot is an estimated £4 million.
One lucky player scooped £1 million by matching five of six numbers and the bonus ball.
The winning National Lottery numbers were 21, 22, 32, 36, 45, 50 and the bonus ball was 05.
Set of balls number two and draw machine Arthur were used.
Some 35 ticket-holders earned themselves £1,750 each after matching five numbers, while 1,868 people matched four balls to win £140.
There were no top prize winners in the Lotto HotPicks draw, but four ticket-holders won £13,000 each after matching four out of five numbers.
No-one scooped the top prize in the Thunderball draw.
The winning Thunderball numbers were 01, 03, 10, 20, 21 and the Thunderball was 14.


birminghammail--2020-08-19--What happened to Gnabry at West Brom to end Arsenal hopes

“ We ’ re delighted to add Serge [ Gnabry ] to our options , ” Tony Pulis exclaimed in a statement upon the German ’ s arrival at West Bromwich Albion .
“ He is a top player and he will bring us quality in certain areas of the pitch.
” How wrong he was .
Gnabry arrived on loan ahead of the 2015/16 season .
He would provide depth and competition for Callum McManaman and James McClean in the wide positions .
Arsenal hoped that he would be able to force his way into the first team and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suffered a nasty knee injury and missed almost the entire 2014/15 season .
Arsene Wenger knew he needed to play , but also recognised the difficulty he would have providing the 20-year-old with the gametime he required at the Emirates .
That is when West Brom came calling .
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Google Play Store and App Store There was a good reason for Pulis ’ optimism .
“ There is more than a small chance .
There 's a big chance , ” Wenger said in January 2014 when asked about the possibility that Gnabry could make Germany ’ s World Cup squad despite only being 18 .
“ We are looking at a guy who has good individual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , is a good finisher and has a very good football brain with good vision.
” This was the type of player that Pulis and West Brom believed they were getting .
In reality , Gnabry was anything but .
“ We had him at West Brom , we took him on loan and we could never get him fit , ” Pulis told Sky Sports following Gnabry ’ s four-goal performance versus Spurs in the Champions League earlier this season .
“ We even took him off in an under-21 game.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concerning one for Gnabry at the Hawthorns .
He remained with West Brom for six months .
In those six months , he played six times for the Baggies .
Three of those came with the under-21s in Premier League 2 .
Another two were starts in the EFL Cup .
He only once made a Premier League appearance , a 12-minute cameo against Chelsea in August .
He was named in the Premier League matchday squad six times in total , making the bench for the four games following his debut and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pulis never brought him off the bench and Gnabry was either with the under-21s or not named in the squad for 15 of the final 16 league games he spent with the Baggies .
Arsenal recalled him in January , unhappy with his limited opportunities to play .
“ I am tempted to give him some competition because , at the moment , he has not played at West Brom , ” Wenger said upon Arsenal ’ s recalling .
Pulis , of course , has tried to deflect the blame away from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kid , a nice kid , didn ’ t mind him at all , ” he said in October 2019 to Sky Sports again .
“ He has fulfilled his potential .
You could knock me over with a feather .
“ Having worked with him at West Brom and seen him there , what he ’ s done is absolutely amazing .
When people show what they can really do and really knuckle down and become so good as he ’ s done , it ’ s absolutely fantastic.
” Gnabry has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Bundesliga .
He is a German international , a crucial player for Bayern Munich , and rivals Jadon Sancho as the best wide attacker in the division .
Pulis , meanwhile , hardly used him , and he was not especially positive about the youngster ’ s ability or prospects at the time .
“ Serge has come here to play games but he just hasn ’ t been for me , at the moment , at that level to play the games , ” he said in October 2015 via @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doomed loan spell .
“ He ’ s come from academy football and not played much league football .
Does academy football really prepare players for league football ?
We ’ re talking about Premier League football here.
” And Gnabry is quite sure who is to blame for his wretched time at the club .
“ Tony Pulis , ” he told The Daily Mail when asked about what happened at West Brom in September 2019 .
“ Ask Tony Pulis.
” Gnabry continued to explain that he simply did not fit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ styles , different opinions , ” he said .
“ I ca n't really say too much , but I tried my best at West Brom and it did n't work out .
I was told I would be getting a lot of game time , otherwise I could have signed for another team.
” Gnabry returned to Arsenal in January but struggled for gametime still .
By the end of the year , he had a year remaining on his contract , had just enjoyed a brilliant Olympics in August 2016 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ At the Olympics , I 'd played five or six games ( in a row ) , found my rhythm and I said to myself : 'OK , I need to play , ’ ” he said in the same Daily Mail interview .
“ It was the hardest decision I ever had to make in football leaving a club like Arsenal , the fans , the players .
But in the end , I just did n't want to wait .
To keep playing , I had to take a step back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the right decision.
” Gnabry departed for Werder Bremen .
He scored 11 goals in 27 Bundesliga appearances and immediately set about establishing himself as a terrorising wide attacker who could dribble , create , and score .
He later moved to Bayern Munich via Hoffenheim , and the rest , as they say , is history .
Pulis , then , may have been delighted to have Gnabry arrive .
But by the time Gnabry left , it might have been one of his biggest mistakes .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Andrew Dowdeswell, Joseph Chapman)

It took approximately three seconds for the fateful loan to West Bromwich Albion to be mentioned by BBC commentator Guy Mowbray as Serge Gnabry was introduced as a late substitute for Germany at Wembley on Tuesday night.
Albion fans might've played a game of 'guess the timing of Albion being mentioned' bingo. They're used to it now.
“We’re delighted to add Serge to our options,” Tony Pulis exclaimed in a statement upon the German’s arrival at Albion. “He is a top player and he will bring us quality in certain areas of the pitch.”
How wrong he was.
Gnabry arrived on loan ahead of the 2015/16 season. He would provide depth and competition for Callum McManaman and James McClean in the wide positions. Arsenal hoped that he would be able to force his way into the first team and feature on a regular basis.
Gnabry suffered a nasty knee injury and missed almost the entire 2014/15 season. Arsene Wenger knew he needed to play, but also recognised the difficulty he would have providing the 20-year-old with the gametime he required at the Emirates. That is when West Brom came calling.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
There was a good reason for Pulis’ optimism. “There is more than a small chance. There's a big chance,” Wenger said in January 2014 when asked about the possibility that Gnabry could make Germany’s World Cup squad despite only being 18. “We are looking at a guy who has good individual talent, he can go past people, is a good finisher and has a very good football brain with good vision.”
This was the type of player that Pulis and West Brom believed they were getting. In reality, Gnabry was anything but.
“We had him at West Brom, we took him on loan and we could never get him fit,” Pulis told Sky Sports following Gnabry’s four-goal performance versus Spurs in the Champions League earlier this season. “We even took him off in an under-21 game.”
This theme of fitness was prevailing and concerning one for Gnabry at the Hawthorns. He remained with West Brom for six months.
In those six months, he played six times for the Baggies. Three of those came with the under-21s in Premier League 2. Another two were starts in the EFL Cup. He only once made a Premier League appearance, a 12-minute cameo against Chelsea in August.
He was named in the Premier League matchday squad six times in total, making the bench for the four games following his debut and once more versus Liverpool in mid-December. Pulis never brought him off the bench and Gnabry was either with the under-21s or not named in the squad for 15 of the final 16 league games he spent with the Baggies.
Arsenal recalled him in January, unhappy with his limited opportunities to play. “I am tempted to give him some competition because, at the moment, he has not played at West Brom,” Wenger said upon Arsenal’s recalling.
Pulis, of course, has tried to deflect the blame away from himself. “He was a good kid, a nice kid, didn’t mind him at all,” he said in October 2019 to Sky Sports again. “He has fulfilled his potential. You could knock me over with a feather.
(Image: Action Images / Alex Morton)
“Having worked with him at West Brom and seen him there, what he’s done is absolutely amazing. When people show what they can really do and really knuckle down and become so good as he’s done, it’s absolutely fantastic.”
Gnabry has since developed into one of the stars of the Bundesliga. He is a German international, a crucial player for Bayern Munich, and rivals Jadon Sancho as the best wide attacker in the division. Pulis, meanwhile, hardly used him, and he was not especially positive about the youngster’s ability or prospects at the time.
“Serge has come here to play games but he just hasn’t been for me, at the moment, at that level to play the games,” he said in October 2015 via ESPN, halfway through Gnabry’s doomed loan spell. “He’s come from academy football and not played much league football. Does academy football really prepare players for league football? We’re talking about Premier League football here.”
And Gnabry is quite sure who is to blame for his wretched time at the club. “Tony Pulis,” he told The Daily Mail when asked about what happened at West Brom in September 2019. “Ask Tony Pulis.”
Gnabry continued to explain that he simply did not fit into Pulis’ approach. “Different styles, different opinions,” he said. “I can't really say too much, but I tried my best at West Brom and it didn't work out. I was told I would be getting a lot of game time, otherwise I could have signed for another team.”
Gnabry returned to Arsenal in January but struggled for gametime still. By the end of the year, he had a year remaining on his contract, had just enjoyed a brilliant Olympics in August 2016, and was keen to play.
“At the Olympics, I'd played five or six games (in a row), found my rhythm and I said to myself: 'OK, I need to play,’” he said in the same Daily Mail interview. “It was the hardest decision I ever had to make in football leaving a club like Arsenal, the fans, the players. But in the end, I just didn't want to wait. To keep playing, I had to take a step back and in the end, it was the right decision.”
Gnabry departed for Werder Bremen. He scored 11 goals in 27 Bundesliga appearances and immediately set about establishing himself as a terrorising wide attacker who could dribble, create, and score. He later moved to Bayern Munich via Hoffenheim, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Pulis, then, may have been delighted to have Gnabry arrive. But by the time Gnabry left, it might have been one of his biggest mistakes.