birminghammail--2020-08-12--Boy, 17, found guilty of murdering mum-of-two teaching assistant

A 17-year-old boy has been found guilty of murdering teaching assistant Lindsay Birbeck in Lancashire .
The mum-of-two 's body was found wrapped in two plastic bags in a shallow grave at at Accrington Cemetery in August 2019 .
The teen killer - who can not be named for legal reasons - was found guilty by a jury at Preston Crown Court after four hours of deliberation , reports Lancs Live .
The verdict came in on the year anniversary of her death .
The teenager pleaded guilty to assisting in the disposal of Ms Birbeck 's body , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ murder .
He said he was offered ' a lot of money ' by an unknown man to 'get rid of the body ' but this was dismissed as `` complete nonsense '' by the prosecuting barrister .
Ms Birbeck 's body was discovered by a dog walker 12 days after she went missing .
The high-level teaching assistant , from Accrington , was last seen alive at 4pm on August 12 .
A keep fit enthusiast , she had left her home for a walk to The Coppice , a local nature @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the jury 'the worst fears of the community were to come true ' .
Ms Birbeck 's body was identified through dental records and a post-mortem examination concluded the cause of death was neck injuries .
The court was told that attempts had been made to dismember her body and 'severe compressive force ' was used to inflict catastrophic injuries .
During the investigation , police released CCTV footage of a boy walking along a road with a blue wheelie bin at about 2.30pm on August 17 .
A bin similar to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the scene where Ms Birbeck was discovered , said police .
During the trial Mr McLachlan QC said the teenager had been 'on the prowl targeting females ' after entering The Coppice at 2.30pm .
The jury was told how another walker , named as Zoe Braithwaite , had a 'lucky escape ' just minutes before the 47-year-old 's death .
After finding a secluded area near the railway line , he then spent over an hour burying her body before leaving a yellow-handled saw , green gloves and the wheelie bin at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days , the teenager was captured on CCTV returning four times to the scene , the court was told .
Defence barrister Mark Fenhalls QC said the teenager had a below average IQ , no previous convictions and teachers described him as being `` quite easily led '' and `` open to exploitation '' .
But the theory that somebody else had committed the killing was rejected by the jury .
The socially distanced retrial was spread across three courtrooms , with relatives of the victim , the defendant 's parents and members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the jury and counsel .
Judge Mrs Justice Yip told jurors a trial had been held in February , but it was not possible to finish it and the jury was discharged .
The judge will pass sentence on Friday ( August 14 ) .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Jon Macpherson, Sanjeeta Bains)

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A 17-year-old boy has been found guilty of murdering teaching assistant Lindsay Birbeck in Lancashire.
The mum-of-two's body was found wrapped in two plastic bags in a shallow grave at at Accrington Cemetery in August 2019.
The teen killer - who cannot be named for legal reasons - was found guilty by a jury at Preston Crown Court after four hours of deliberation, reports Lancs Live.
The verdict came in on the year anniversary of her death.
The teenager pleaded guilty to assisting in the disposal of Ms Birbeck's body, but claimed he was not guilty of the murder.
He said he was offered 'a lot of money' by an unknown man to 'get rid of the body' but this was dismissed as "complete nonsense" by the prosecuting barrister.
Ms Birbeck's body was discovered by a dog walker 12 days after she went missing.
The high-level teaching assistant, from Accrington, was last seen alive at 4pm on August 12.
A keep fit enthusiast, she had left her home for a walk to The Coppice, a local nature reserve.
(Image: PA)
Family members alerted police shortly after midnight when Ms Birbeck didn't return home.
Prosecutor David McLachlan QC told the jury 'the worst fears of the community were to come true'.
Ms Birbeck's body was identified through dental records and a post-mortem examination concluded the cause of death was neck injuries.
The court was told that attempts had been made to dismember her body and 'severe compressive force' was used to inflict catastrophic injuries.
During the investigation, police released CCTV footage of a boy walking along a road with a blue wheelie bin at about 2.30pm on August 17.
A bin similar to the one in the footage was found near the scene where Ms Birbeck was discovered, said police.
Horrified school teachers recognised the youth.
During the trial Mr McLachlan QC said the teenager had been 'on the prowl targeting females' after entering The Coppice at 2.30pm.
The jury was told how another walker, named as Zoe Braithwaite, had a 'lucky escape' just minutes before the 47-year-old's death.
After finding a secluded area near the railway line, he then spent over an hour burying her body before leaving a yellow-handled saw, green gloves and the wheelie bin at the scene.
Over the next few days, the teenager was captured on CCTV returning four times to the scene, the court was told.
Defence barrister Mark Fenhalls QC said the teenager had a below average IQ, no previous convictions and teachers described him as being "quite easily led" and "open to exploitation".
But the theory that somebody else had committed the killing was rejected by the jury.
The socially distanced retrial was spread across three courtrooms, with relatives of the victim, the defendant's parents and members of the press watching in separate courtrooms to the jury and counsel.
Judge Mrs Justice Yip told jurors a trial had been held in February, but it was not possible to finish it and the jury was discharged.
The judge will pass sentence on Friday (August 14).


birminghammail--2020-08-12--Aston Villa linked with double swoop for Norwich's Emi Buendia and Todd Cantwell

Aston Villa 's interest in Norwich City playmaker Emi Buendia has been well documented but the latest reports in the national press claim Todd Cantwell is on their radar too .
According to The Sun , Villa are keen on Buendia with Premier League rivals Crystal Palace also credited with an interest .
The stipulation in the report was that , should captain Jack Grealish leave Villa Park , Villa would look to bring Buendia in as a replacement .
Grealish continues to be linked with a move away from Villa , with fresh reports in the national press today @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are interested in the 24 year-old .
Sign up for our Villa newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here Now The Telegraph is reporting that Villa are interested in Buendia but are also keen on Cantwell .
As has been reported elsewhere , Villa head coach Dean Smith is also monitoring Brentford 's Ollie Watkins .
Cantwell and Buendia both endured fine individual seasons despite the Canaries suffering an immediate relegation .
Only Grealish , Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool and Manchester City 's Kevin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Premier League than Buendia in 2019-20 .
Cantwell , meanwhile , scored six goals in 37 matches and he also registered two assists .
Villa continue to be linked with young emerging talent , with Matty Cash also said to be on the club 's radar .
Cash has been linked with West Ham United , Sheffield United and Leeds United and will cost £15 million , it is being said .

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Aston Villa's interest in Norwich City playmaker Emi Buendia has been well documented but the latest reports in the national press claim Todd Cantwell is on their radar too.
According to The Sun, Villa are keen on Buendia with Premier League rivals Crystal Palace also credited with an interest.
The stipulation in the report was that, should captain Jack Grealish leave Villa Park, Villa would look to bring Buendia in as a replacement.
Grealish continues to be linked with a move away from Villa, with fresh reports in the national press today claiming that Manchester United and Manchester City are interested in the 24 year-old.
Sign up for our Villa newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here
Now The Telegraph is reporting that Villa are interested in Buendia but are also keen on Cantwell.
As has been reported elsewhere, Villa head coach Dean Smith is also monitoring Brentford's Ollie Watkins.
Cantwell and Buendia both endured fine individual seasons despite the Canaries suffering an immediate relegation.
Only Grealish, Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool and Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne created more chances in the Premier League than Buendia in 2019-20.
Cantwell, meanwhile, scored six goals in 37 matches and he also registered two assists.
Villa continue to be linked with young emerging talent, with Matty Cash also said to be on the club's radar.
Cash has been linked with West Ham United, Sheffield United and Leeds United and will cost £15 million, it is being said.


birminghammail--2020-08-12--Fury over 'pathetic wannabe gunman' filmed pointing firearm in street

People are furious that a 'gunman ' was captured on dashcam pointing a firearm at a boxing coach during an argument in a Tamworth street .
BirminghamLive readers have blasted the masked man for pulling out the 'weapon and threatening to shoot ' Todd Jarrett in Watling Street .
The fearless 53-year-old confronted the armed man with the words , `` do you think you 're a big man ?
What are you going to do , shoot me ? ''
.
Todd said he was working on a roof when he spotted two masked people walking down the road @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3 .
`` They were n't wearing coronavirus masks and they were not acting normal , '' he said .
`` They were fidgeting and was walking straight for me . ''
Thinking nothing of it he continued to help his colleagues but the teens crossed the road and an argument erupted , Todd says .
`` They were just staring at me , '' he said .
`` So I said 'what are you looking at ' and he began shouting it back at me .
`` One of them started throwing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a boxing coach , I got into my stance just in case .
`` He said to me 'just you wait , just you wait ' . ''
One of the pair then brandished the firearm and shouted “ do you want me to shoot you ?
” at Todd .
Firearm officers from Staffordshire Police were deployed to the scene shortly after the incident was reported by a passer-by .
And two suspects were arrested nearby .
They have since been released under investigation .
The gun in question was discovered and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Readers have also expressed their outrage at the astonishing daschcam clip , which can be watched above .
Nia Jones said : `` Absolutely disgusting !
!
That ’ s the thing about these kids these days they all have to keep the reputation of a gangster !
It ’ s just pathetic !
`` I don ’ t care if it ’ s a BB gun or not the victim didn ’ t know it could have been real !
`` Lock the idiots up teach them a lesson .
We always @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the kiddies ! ''
While Jessica Cartwright added : `` Let ’ s hope they get punished and not just told off .
I don ’ t care if it ’ s a BB gun – its terrible .
I walk along that road with my children as many other people do we should not let things like this happen . ''
And Michelle Tonks penned : `` Think the n** watched too many Peaky Blinders .
Wannabe pathetic chavs . ''
Staffordshire Police said : `` Team work by officers from Staffordshire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wilnecote area after this realistic looking BB gun was found .
`` It was reported that during an argument a gun had been pointed at people in the street , before the suspects made off .
`` Firearms officers , PC Pete Clarke and his dog Neo set about searching the area and two suspects were arrested nearby .
`` Neo sniffed out the gun nearby , it was recovered and discovered to be a BB gun .
`` The suspects , a 22-year-old woman and a 19-year-old man from Tamworth , were @ @ @ @ @ @

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People are furious that a 'gunman' was captured on dashcam pointing a firearm at a boxing coach during an argument in a Tamworth street.
BirminghamLive readers have blasted the masked man for pulling out the 'weapon and threatening to shoot' Todd Jarrett in Watling Street.
The fearless 53-year-old confronted the armed man with the words, "do you think you're a big man? What are you going to do, shoot me?".
Todd said he was working on a roof when he spotted two masked people walking down the road at around 5pm on Monday, August 3.
"They weren't wearing coronavirus masks and they were not acting normal," he said.
"They were fidgeting and was walking straight for me."
Thinking nothing of it he continued to help his colleagues but the teens crossed the road and an argument erupted, Todd says.
"They were just staring at me," he said.
(Image: Handout)
"So I said 'what are you looking at' and he began shouting it back at me.
"One of them started throwing his arms around and me, being a boxing coach, I got into my stance just in case.
"He said to me 'just you wait, just you wait'."
One of the pair then brandished the firearm and shouted “do you want me to shoot you?” at Todd.
Firearm officers from Staffordshire Police were deployed to the scene shortly after the incident was reported by a passer-by.
And two suspects were arrested nearby. They have since been released under investigation. The gun in question was discovered and found to be a BB gun.
Readers have also expressed their outrage at the astonishing daschcam clip, which can be watched above.
Nia Jones said: "Absolutely disgusting!! That’s the thing about these kids these days they all have to keep the reputation of a gangster! It’s just pathetic!
"I don’t care if it’s a BB gun or not the victim didn’t know it could have been real!
"Lock the idiots up teach them a lesson. We always walk up and down that street with the kiddies!"
While Jessica Cartwright added: "Let’s hope they get punished and not just told off. I don’t care if it’s a BB gun – its terrible. I walk along that road with my children as many other people do we should not let things like this happen."
(Image: Handout)
And Michelle Tonks penned: "Think the n** watched too many Peaky Blinders. Wannabe pathetic chavs."
Staffordshire Police said: "Team work by officers from Staffordshire Dogs resulted in two arrests in the Wilnecote area after this realistic looking BB gun was found.
"It was reported that during an argument a gun had been pointed at people in the street, before the suspects made off.
"Firearms officers, PC Pete Clarke and his dog Neo set about searching the area and two suspects were arrested nearby.
"Neo sniffed out the gun nearby, it was recovered and discovered to be a BB gun.
"The suspects, a 22-year-old woman and a 19-year-old man from Tamworth, were later released under investigation."


birminghammail--2020-08-12--Forest want £15m fee for Matty Cash amid Aston Villa links

Matty Cash , the versatile Nottingham Forest player who is wanted by a number of Premier League clubs this summer , will cost any interested parties £15m .
Aston Villa have been linked with a move for Cash this week , after Forest threw away a play-off place on the final round of Championship games , when they suffered a heavy home defeat to Stoke City .
Missing out on that shot of promotion means that clubs from the top flight were always likely to circle over Forest ’ s assets - one of them , undeniably , being Cash @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Forest would have to sell , for their desired fee , if it means that they ’ re able to rebuild the squad and have another crack at promotion next term .
The 23-year-old has been playing right back under Sabri Lamouchi , but has played further forwards under previous regimes .
Sheffield United and West Ham are both keen to recruit in that area of their squad this summer , and both have been linked with moves for Cash .
Villa , meanwhile , currently have Frederic Guilbert and Ahmed Elmohamady to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go , though centre half Ezri Konsa filled in admirably at the end of the season as Villa secured another year in the Premier League .
The Mirror says that it ’ ll cost £15m for any club to prise Cash away from the City Ground , having been valued at £17m in the January transfer window .

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Matty Cash, the versatile Nottingham Forest player who is wanted by a number of Premier League clubs this summer, will cost any interested parties £15m.
Aston Villa have been linked with a move for Cash this week, after Forest threw away a play-off place on the final round of Championship games, when they suffered a heavy home defeat to Stoke City.
Missing out on that shot of promotion means that clubs from the top flight were always likely to circle over Forest’s assets - one of them, undeniably, being Cash.
Indeed it’s likely that Forest would have to sell, for their desired fee, if it means that they’re able to rebuild the squad and have another crack at promotion next term.
The 23-year-old has been playing right back under Sabri Lamouchi, but has played further forwards under previous regimes. Sheffield United and West Ham are both keen to recruit in that area of their squad this summer, and both have been linked with moves for Cash.
Villa, meanwhile, currently have Frederic Guilbert and Ahmed Elmohamady to call upon as far as natural right-backs go, though centre half Ezri Konsa filled in admirably at the end of the season as Villa secured another year in the Premier League.
The Mirror says that it’ll cost £15m for any club to prise Cash away from the City Ground, having been valued at £17m in the January transfer window.


birminghammail--2020-08-12--Two ‘critical’ and another taken to hospital after horror crash

A teenager and a young man are both critical after their car was involved in a three-vehicle crash in Worcestershire .
A beige Fiat 500 registration ending AWP , a blue Mini Cooper registration ending NVX and a white Mann breakdown recovery truck registration ending WWF collided in A4440 Parsonage Way in Worcester shortly before 6pm on Tuesday ( August 11 ) .
Two air ambulances with doctors on board , three land ambulances and a paramedic officer attended the incident along with four fire engines and police .
Paramedics treated three young people – two men and a woman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trauma care ’ after suffering ‘ serious injuries ’ .
A 19-year-old woman and a 20-year-old man are in now a critical condition after being taken to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham by land ambulance .
A 21-year-old man remains in hospital with injuries that are not thought to be life threatening , and he was taken to Worcestershire Royal Hospital in Worcester .
West Mercia Police are appealing for witnesses and anyone with dash cam footage to come forward .
A spokeswoman said : “ To help with our investigation we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who witnessed the incident or has any other information that could help with our enquiries.
” Operational Patrol Unit Sergeant Matt Digger said : “ We are keen to speak with anyone who may have seen the incident on the Parsonage Way , in Worcester .
“ Unfortunately two people remain in critical condition , and a third remains in hospital with serious injuries not thought to be life-threatening .
“ We are especially keen to see any dashcam footage from the area at the time of the incident .
If you have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ website or 101.
” Earlier West Midlands Ambulance Service said : “ On arrival , ambulance crews found two cars with significant damage and a lorry further down the road .
“ There were two people trapped in the first car .
The woman driver was rapidly extricated and given advanced trauma care at the scene before being taken on blue lights to the major trauma centre at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham with serious injuries .
The doctor and critical care paramedic from the Strensham aircraft travelled with the patient .
“ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had to be extricated .
He was taken by ambulance to the same hospital as a precaution due to the serious nature of the crash .
“ The man driving the second car had managed to get out himself .
He was assessed at the scene for potentially serious injuries .
He was taken by ambulance to Worcestershire Royal Hospital .
Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service crews – two from Worcester and two from Droitwich attended and helped cut the 19-year-old and 20-year-old out of their vehicle .
The road remained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any information is urged to call police on 101 or use the ‘ report ’ section on westmercia.police.uk , quoting incident number 585_I_11082020 .
Alternatively , anyone can give information anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or use their online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org .

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A teenager and a young man are both critical after their car was involved in a three-vehicle crash in Worcestershire.
A beige Fiat 500 registration ending AWP, a blue Mini Cooper registration ending NVX and a white Mann breakdown recovery truck registration ending WWF collided in A4440 Parsonage Way in Worcester shortly before 6pm on Tuesday (August 11).
Two air ambulances with doctors on board, three land ambulances and a paramedic officer attended the incident along with four fire engines and police.
Paramedics treated three young people – two men and a woman. A woman was given ‘advanced trauma care’ after suffering ‘serious injuries’.
A 19-year-old woman and a 20-year-old man are in now a critical condition after being taken to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham by land ambulance.
A 21-year-old man remains in hospital with injuries that are not thought to be life threatening, and he was taken to Worcestershire Royal Hospital in Worcester.
West Mercia Police are appealing for witnesses and anyone with dash cam footage to come forward. A spokeswoman said: “To help with our investigation we’re keen to speak to anyone who witnessed the incident or has any other information that could help with our enquiries.”
Operational Patrol Unit Sergeant Matt Digger said: “We are keen to speak with anyone who may have seen the incident on the Parsonage Way,in Worcester.
“Unfortunately two people remain in critical condition, and a third remains in hospital with serious injuries not thought to be life-threatening.
“We are especially keen to see any dashcam footage from the area at the time of the incident. If you have any information please report it via our website or 101.”
Earlier West Midlands Ambulance Service said: “On arrival,ambulance crews found two cars with significant damage and a lorry further down the road.
“There were two people trapped in the first car. The woman driver was rapidly extricated and given advanced trauma care at the scene before being taken on blue lights to the major trauma centre at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham with serious injuries. The doctor and critical care paramedic from the Strensham aircraft travelled with the patient.
“The man in the front passenger seat also had to be extricated. He was taken by ambulance to the same hospital as a precaution due to the serious nature of the crash.
“The man driving the second car had managed to get out himself. He was assessed at the scene for potentially serious injuries. He was taken by ambulance to Worcestershire Royal Hospital.
“The lorry driver was not injured.”
Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service crews – two from Worcester and two from Droitwich attended and helped cut the 19-year-old and 20-year-old out of their vehicle.
The road remained closed for several hours.
Anyone with any information is urged to call police on 101 or use the ‘report’ section on westmercia.police.uk, quoting incident number 585_I_11082020.
Alternatively, anyone can give information anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or use their online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.


birminghammail--2020-08-12--Students and parents slam last-minute changes to A Level results for 2020

Students and parents have slammed `` panic '' changes to the way A Level results in England are decided , saying they have increased stress and reduced fairness .
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson announced late on Tuesday that students will be able to use their results in mock tests to appeal if they are unhappy with the grades they are given - and will also be able to sit exams in the autumn .
But this new triple lock approach introduced at the last minute has come under fire .
Suzanne Whitton , whose 18-year-old daughter Holly is awaiting A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be a panicked response following the backlash to Scotland 's downgrading of pupils ' results - which resulted in an apology and U-turn .
`` This feels very much like a knee-jerk panic reaction to me , by a government who has watched Scotland 's fiasco unfurl , '' the parent from Wokingham in Berkshire told the PA news agency .
`` I do n't know why they have left it so late to make this decision when it would have put so many students ' minds at rest if it had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about those students who did n't work hard for mocks and were planning to cram in the last few months to increase their final grade ? ''
On students now being able to sit exams in the autumn if unhappy with their results , she added : `` A Level students did n't even finish the syllabus so how can anyone be expected to take an exam in six weeks ' time ?
`` The whole thing has not been well thought through and today 's news is the icing on the cake @ @ @ @ @ @ @ High School , Essex , said he is `` not confident '' the changes will help him and feels the autumn exams , scheduled for the start of October , come too soon .
`` A lot of us in our mocks did n't put in the maximum effort because we had UCAS and university applications to do ... in the end , my mock grades were n't the best , '' the 18-year-old told PA. '' The chance to resit is great , however I think this is too soon and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support or been contacted by our schools during this time .
`` I have n't opened any of my books and I did n't even finish my A Level courses , so to sit an exam would n't really benefit me in any way . ''
Kejti Ismail , from Leicester , studies biology , chemistry and mathematics and said she felt the decision has piled on stress in an already traumatic year .
`` Not only have we been off school for around five months , but all the pupils have gone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus and the pandemic , '' the 18-year-old said .
`` Our results have actually been the last thing on our mind and studying for them because we 're too stressed to even think . ''
She added : `` No-one prepares for mocks as much as we prepare for the real exams ...
I just think it 's so unfair . ''
Cheyenne Williams , an 18-year-old from Barnhill Community High School in north west London , said : `` I find all of these last-minute changes to be unprofessional and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stressed . ''
She also said she feared some students may have cheated during their mock exams .
`` Personally , my school takes mocks really seriously as we take them in an exam hall with invigilator ... however , I do think that other students could still find ways to cheat , '' she added .
`` For example , if they find the mock paper online beforehand or if their school does n't supervise mocks as harshly . ''

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Students and parents have slammed "panic" changes to the way A Level results in England are decided, saying they have increased stress and reduced fairness.
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson announced late on Tuesday that students will be able to use their results in mock tests to appeal if they are unhappy with the grades they are given - and will also be able to sit exams in the autumn.
But this new triple lock approach introduced at the last minute has come under fire.
Suzanne Whitton, whose 18-year-old daughter Holly is awaiting A Level results, said the move appeared to be a panicked response following the backlash to Scotland's downgrading of pupils' results - which resulted in an apology and U-turn.
"This feels very much like a knee-jerk panic reaction to me, by a government who has watched Scotland's fiasco unfurl," the parent from Wokingham in Berkshire told the PA news agency.
"I don't know why they have left it so late to make this decision when it would have put so many students' minds at rest if it had been declared before.
"And what about those students who didn't work hard for mocks and were planning to cram in the last few months to increase their final grade?"
On students now being able to sit exams in the autumn if unhappy with their results, she added: "A Level students didn't even finish the syllabus so how can anyone be expected to take an exam in six weeks' time?
"The whole thing has not been well thought through and today's news is the icing on the cake."
Charlie Heron, from Shenfield High School, Essex, said he is "not confident" the changes will help him and feels the autumn exams, scheduled for the start of October, come too soon.
"A lot of us in our mocks didn't put in the maximum effort because we had UCAS and university applications to do ... in the end, my mock grades weren't the best," the 18-year-old told PA.
"The chance to resit is great, however I think this is too soon and a lot of us haven't received any support or been contacted by our schools during this time.
"I haven't opened any of my books and I didn't even finish my A Level courses, so to sit an exam wouldn't really benefit me in any way."
Kejti Ismail, from Leicester, studies biology, chemistry and mathematics and said she felt the decision has piled on stress in an already traumatic year.
"Not only have we been off school for around five months, but all the pupils have gone through so much stress at home with the virus and the pandemic," the 18-year-old said.
"Our results have actually been the last thing on our mind and studying for them because we're too stressed to even think."
She added: "No-one prepares for mocks as much as we prepare for the real exams ... I just think it's so unfair."
Cheyenne Williams, an 18-year-old from Barnhill Community High School in north west London, said: "I find all of these last-minute changes to be unprofessional and now I feel even more confused and stressed."
She also said she feared some students may have cheated during their mock exams.
"Personally, my school takes mocks really seriously as we take them in an exam hall with invigilator ... however, I do think that other students could still find ways to cheat," she added.
"For example, if they find the mock paper online beforehand or if their school doesn't supervise mocks as harshly."


birminghammail--2020-08-12--Sunderland join Birmingham City in race for Nathan Baxter - reports

Birmingham City and Derby County face competition for Nathan Baxter , according to reports .
The London Evening Standard say the Chelsea goalkeeper is a transfer target for Blues and their Championship rivals Derby but that Sunderland of League One are also keen .
Frank Lampard is reportedly keen for Baxter to get some experience higher up the Leagues after spells in League Two and the Scottish Premiership in the past few years .
Baxter has turned out for Yeovil Town , Woking , Solihull Moors and Ross County .
Sign up for our Blues newsletter with your email in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ page or click here In 2018-19 he won the Yeovil player of the year award and has also tasted success with Chelsea 's youth teams , with FA Youth Cup and UEFA Youth League medals in his cabinet .
Baxter only made 13 appearances for Ross County last season when his campaign was ended prematurely by a shoulder injury and the coronavirus pandemic .
Goalkeeper will be a priority for newly-appointed Blues boss Aitor Karanka .
Lee Camp , who ended the season as the club 's number one , has left St @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the campaign on loan at AFC Wimbledon .
Derby and Sunderland need stoppers too after their respective number ones , Ben Hamer and Jon McLaughlin , left Pride Park and the Stadium of Light this summer .
Baxter has been with Chelsea since the age of eight , making 12 appearances across their Under-18 , Under-19 and Under-23s teams .
The Sun have quoted a Chelsea insider saying of Baxter : `` This kid has got real talent and Derby and Birmingham are both really keen . ''

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Birmingham City and Derby County face competition for Nathan Baxter, according to reports.
The London Evening Standard say the Chelsea goalkeeper is a transfer target for Blues and their Championship rivals Derby but that Sunderland of League One are also keen.
Frank Lampard is reportedly keen for Baxter to get some experience higher up the Leagues after spells in League Two and the Scottish Premiership in the past few years.
Baxter has turned out for Yeovil Town, Woking, Solihull Moors and Ross County.
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In 2018-19 he won the Yeovil player of the year award and has also tasted success with Chelsea's youth teams, with FA Youth Cup and UEFA Youth League medals in his cabinet.
Baxter only made 13 appearances for Ross County last season when his campaign was ended prematurely by a shoulder injury and the coronavirus pandemic.
Goalkeeper will be a priority for newly-appointed Blues boss Aitor Karanka.
Lee Camp, who ended the season as the club's number one, has left St Andrew's while Connal Trueman will spend the campaign on loan at AFC Wimbledon.
Derby and Sunderland need stoppers too after their respective number ones, Ben Hamer and Jon McLaughlin, left Pride Park and the Stadium of Light this summer.
Baxter has been with Chelsea since the age of eight, making 12 appearances across their Under-18, Under-19 and Under-23s teams.
The Sun have quoted a Chelsea insider saying of Baxter: "This kid has got real talent and Derby and Birmingham are both really keen."


birminghammail--2020-08-12--Residents forced to close windows after bags of rotting meat dumped

Residents have spoken of their disgust after bags of rotting meat were dumped in a Black Country street .
Tenants living on Friar Park Road , Wednesbury , have told of the foul , gut-wrenching smell being emitted across the neighbourhood after the waste was fly-tipped ' a week ago ' .
Some of those living nearby , who asked not to be named , said they have been forced to keep their windows closed – despite the sweltering 30 degree heat .
One said : `` Whoever thought it was a good idea to dump loads of dead animals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Sandy Lane – we have had to endure nearly a week of the smell of decomposing flesh and maggots .
`` We could n't even open our windows .
Wo n't be long before you are caught ! ''
While another added : `` When I was walking the dog I usually pass by but the smell was so bad it made you feel sick .
I hope they catch people whoever has done this . ''
A Sandwell Council spokesperson confirmed to BlackCountryLive that the waste was reported and has since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pictures of the clean-up , which were taken by a resident , shows a team of three whited-suited workers moving the barrels of waste from the site .
A spokesman for the authority also slammed the fly-tippers ’ actions added : `` We received a report of bags of rotten meat having been dumped on the corner of Sandy Lane and Friar Park Road .
`` Our environmental services partner Serco arranged for these be cleared .
`` All fly-tipping is despicable – and items that could attract vermin and pose a public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We would urge anyone who has any information about this incident , and any other fly-tipping , to contact us at www.sandwell.gov.uk/flytipping or call us on 0121 368 1177 so we can investigate further . ''

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Residents have spoken of their disgust after bags of rotting meat were dumped in a Black Country street.
Tenants living on Friar Park Road, Wednesbury, have told of the foul, gut-wrenching smell being emitted across the neighbourhood after the waste was fly-tipped 'a week ago'.
Some of those living nearby, who asked not to be named, said they have been forced to keep their windows closed – despite the sweltering 30 degree heat.
One said: "Whoever thought it was a good idea to dump loads of dead animals at the junction of Friar Park Road and Sandy Lane – we have had to endure nearly a week of the smell of decomposing flesh and maggots.
"We couldn't even open our windows. Won't be long before you are caught!"
While another added: "When I was walking the dog I usually pass by but the smell was so bad it made you feel sick. I hope they catch people whoever has done this."
A Sandwell Council spokesperson confirmed to BlackCountryLive that the waste was reported and has since been removed by their environmental services.
Pictures of the clean-up, which were taken by a resident, shows a team of three whited-suited workers moving the barrels of waste from the site.
A spokesman for the authority also slammed the fly-tippers’ actions added: "We received a report of bags of rotten meat having been dumped on the corner of Sandy Lane and Friar Park Road.
"Our environmental services partner Serco arranged for these be cleared.
"All fly-tipping is despicable – and items that could attract vermin and pose a public health risk are of particular concern.
"We would urge anyone who has any information about this incident, and any other fly-tipping, to contact us at www.sandwell.gov.uk/flytipping or call us on 0121 368 1177 so we can investigate further."


birminghammail--2020-08-12--Karanka to be unveiled as Birmingham City boss at St Andrew's

Aitor Karanka will be officially unveiled as Birmingham City ’ s new boss on Friday afternoon ( 14 August ) .
Spaniard Karanka , who replaces compatriot Pep Clotet in the Blues managerial hot-seat , will face the various mediums within the press at St Andrew ’ s , for a conference which is due to begin at 2pm .
Club chief executive Dong Ren is also due to be in attendance as Blues begin a new era ahead of the coming Championship season .
BirminghamLive will be in attendance as the former Nottingham Forest and Middlesbrough boss ' reign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ freshen up his back-room staff after James Beattie , Darryl Flahavan and Sean Rush were let go by the club on Tuesday , has been taking pre-season training at Wast Hills , overseeing his inherited squad being put through their paces after a few weeks of holidaying and relaxation .
There are expected to be a number of topics on the agenda to discuss , not least of all the transfer front ; since lockdown , Blues have bid farewell to no less than 12 senior players who were either at the end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or players who were borrowed but have now been returned to their parent clubs .
If you want to follow all things Birmingham City via social media then this is the place to find out how .
Transfers , injuries , match-day videos and photos and the thoughts of the manager and his players , we ’ ve got you covered .
We ’ ll be bringing the very latest throughout the week and around the clock .
Make sure you keep yourself updated with our social media accounts ... Twitter : All @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all your latest Blues news , opinion , analysis and transfer gossip , click here You can follow our reporter Brian Dick on Twitter , and his email address is Brian.Dick @ reachplc.com It ’ s left Karanka with little to work with by way of a senior group - there isn ’ t a first-team goalkeeper currently on the club ’ s books - so Blues ’ planned recruitment drive in the coming months will be key to what they can achieve in the new campaign .
One man expected to sign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sanchez .
Sanchez scored once and assisted three times as Elche made the Segunda Division play-offs , following on a season where as a starter he scored seven goals and set-up a further five .
The 27-year-old has not been short of interested parties .

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Aitor Karanka will be officially unveiled as Birmingham City’s new boss on Friday afternoon (14 August).
Spaniard Karanka, who replaces compatriot Pep Clotet in the Blues managerial hot-seat, will face the various mediums within the press at St Andrew’s, for a conference which is due to begin at 2pm.
Club chief executive Dong Ren is also due to be in attendance as Blues begin a new era ahead of the coming Championship season.
BirminghamLive will be in attendance as the former Nottingham Forest and Middlesbrough boss' reign starts.
Karanka, who intends to freshen up his back-room staff after James Beattie, Darryl Flahavan and Sean Rush were let go by the club on Tuesday, has been taking pre-season training at Wast Hills, overseeing his inherited squad being put through their paces after a few weeks of holidaying and relaxation.
There are expected to be a number of topics on the agenda to discuss, not least of all the transfer front; since lockdown, Blues have bid farewell to no less than 12 senior players who were either at the end of their contracts, loaned out elsewhere or players who were borrowed but have now been returned to their parent clubs.
It’s left Karanka with little to work with by way of a senior group - there isn’t a first-team goalkeeper currently on the club’s books - so Blues’ planned recruitment drive in the coming months will be key to what they can achieve in the new campaign.
One man expected to sign for the club is Elche winger Ivan Sanchez.
Sanchez scored once and assisted three times as Elche made the Segunda Division play-offs, following on a season where as a starter he scored seven goals and set-up a further five.
The 27-year-old has not been short of interested parties.


birminghammail--2020-08-12--'Triple lock' system announced for 2020 A-Level results - what you need to know

Students waiting anxiously for their A-Level results are now grappling with the news of a last-minute change to the system .
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson announced a new triple lock is being introduced for the 2020 A-Level results .
It will also apply to the GCSE results a week later , on August 20 .
Ministers have denied that the exam system in England has been thrown into confusion following 11th-hour changes to the way A-Level and GCSE results will be assessed .
The latest news means students in England have been assured of a so-called 'triple lock ' approach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It means students have three options - accept their calculated grade , appeal to receive valid mock results , or sit their exams when schools resume properly in the autumn .
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson announced on Tuesday evening that results in mock tests - which were held before schools were forced to close amid the pandemic - will carry the same weight as the calculated results to be awarded later this month .
So students will be able to use their mock exam results to appeal if they are unhappy with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - hours before students receive their calculated A-level results following the cancellation of actual exams amid the Covid-19 crisis - comes in the wake of a dramatic U-turn by the Scottish Government .
Scotland 's Education Secretary , John Swinney , announced that moderated grades would be scrapped following a massive outcry after more than 124,000 results were downgraded .
Nick Gibb , the schools minister for England , acknowledged that the Government was `` concerned '' about what had happened in Scotland but insisted the system in England remains `` robust '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ small number '' of students would be affected by the change and insisted that ministers have nothing to apologise for by acting so late in the day .
`` There is no confusion .
We have been very clear from the very beginning .
We had to have a system in place to award qualifications to young people given that we had cancelled the exams , '' he told BBC Breakfast .
`` We apologise to nobody for finding solutions , even at the 11th hour , to stop any student being disadvantaged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was condemned as `` panicked and chaotic '' by a union leader representing school heads , who warned that it would lead to `` massive inconsistency '' in the way grades were awarded .
Following the cancellation of this year 's summer exams , teachers were told to submit the grades they thought each student would have received if they had sat the papers .
Exam boards have moderated these grades to ensure that this year 's results - for students in England , Northern Ireland and Wales - are not significantly higher @ @ @ @ @ @ @ students in England will now be able to use their mock exam results as the basis for an appeal if they are higher than the calculated grade .
Regulator Ofqual will be asked to determine how and when valid mock results can be used , with schools being required to submit the evidence to the exam board .
Students will also still be able to sit exams in the autumn if they are unhappy with the grades they secured in mocks , or if they are dissatisfied with results awarded by exam boards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hold the same value with universities , colleges and employers , the Department for Education ( DfE ) said .
Mr Gibb said it was designed as a `` safety net '' and would not lead to `` grade inflation '' .
`` It is just making sure at the edges that no student is disadvantaged .
This is just to give a safety net for any student who might fall through the system , '' he told Sky News .
`` It will only affect a small group of people .
Most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the teacher sent in to the exam board that they thought they would get . ''
However , Geoff Barton , general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders , said the plan creates potential for `` massive inconsistency '' as mock exams are not standardised and some students may not have taken them before schools closed in March .
He said : `` The idea of introducing at the 11th hour a system in which mock exam results trump calculated grades beggars belief .
`` Schools and colleges have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ produce centre-assessed grades , only to find they might as well not have bothered .
`` If the Government wanted to change the system it should have spent at least a few days discussing the options rather than rushing out a panicked and chaotic response . ''
For Labour , shadow education secretary Kate Green said it would be `` very , very worrying for A-level students to find the system was changing again just a day before they received their results .
`` Not all students will have even taken mock exams @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a system which clearly is not fit for purpose , '' she told BBC Breakfast .
`` The Government itself is clearly acknowledging that by announcing more and more changes to it . ''

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Students waiting anxiously for their A-Level results are now grappling with the news of a last-minute change to the system.
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson announced a new triple lock is being introduced for the 2020 A-Level results.
It will also apply to the GCSE results a week later, on August 20.
Ministers have denied that the exam system in England has been thrown into confusion following 11th-hour changes to the way A-Level and GCSE results will be assessed.
The latest news means students in England have been assured of a so-called 'triple lock' approach, essentially picking their best result.
It means students have three options - accept their calculated grade, appeal to receive valid mock results, or sit their exams when schools resume properly in the autumn.
(Image: PA)
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson announced on Tuesday evening that results in mock tests - which were held before schools were forced to close amid the pandemic - will carry the same weight as the calculated results to be awarded later this month.
So students will be able to use their mock exam results to appeal if they are unhappy with the grades they are given.
The move - hours before students receive their calculated A-level results following the cancellation of actual exams amid the Covid-19 crisis - comes in the wake of a dramatic U-turn by the Scottish Government.
Scotland's Education Secretary, John Swinney, announced that moderated grades would be scrapped following a massive outcry after more than 124,000 results were downgraded.
Nick Gibb, the schools minister for England, acknowledged that the Government was "concerned" about what had happened in Scotland but insisted the system in England remains "robust".
He said that only a "small number" of students would be affected by the change and insisted that ministers have nothing to apologise for by acting so late in the day.
"There is no confusion. We have been very clear from the very beginning. We had to have a system in place to award qualifications to young people given that we had cancelled the exams," he told BBC Breakfast.
(Image: Danny Lawson/PA Wire)
"We apologise to nobody for finding solutions, even at the 11th hour, to stop any student being disadvantaged by this system."
The move was condemned as "panicked and chaotic" by a union leader representing school heads, who warned that it would lead to "massive inconsistency" in the way grades were awarded.
Following the cancellation of this year's summer exams, teachers were told to submit the grades they thought each student would have received if they had sat the papers.
Exam boards have moderated these grades to ensure that this year's results - for students in England, Northern Ireland and Wales - are not significantly higher than in previous years.
However, students in England will now be able to use their mock exam results as the basis for an appeal if they are higher than the calculated grade.
Regulator Ofqual will be asked to determine how and when valid mock results can be used, with schools being required to submit the evidence to the exam board.
Students will also still be able to sit exams in the autumn if they are unhappy with the grades they secured in mocks, or if they are dissatisfied with results awarded by exam boards on Thursday.
All three grades will hold the same value with universities, colleges and employers, the Department for Education (DfE) said.
Mr Gibb said it was designed as a "safety net" and would not lead to "grade inflation".
"It is just making sure at the edges that no student is disadvantaged. This is just to give a safety net for any student who might fall through the system," he told Sky News.
"It will only affect a small group of people. Most young people tomorrow will get the grade that the teacher sent in to the exam board that they thought they would get."
However, Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said the plan creates potential for "massive inconsistency" as mock exams are not standardised and some students may not have taken them before schools closed in March.
He said: "The idea of introducing at the 11th hour a system in which mock exam results trump calculated grades beggars belief.
"Schools and colleges have spent months diligently following detailed guidance to produce centre-assessed grades, only to find they might as well not have bothered.
"If the Government wanted to change the system it should have spent at least a few days discussing the options rather than rushing out a panicked and chaotic response."
For Labour, shadow education secretary Kate Green said it would be "very, very worrying for A-level students to find the system was changing again just a day before they received their results.
"Not all students will have even taken mock exams and what we've now got is a system which clearly is not fit for purpose," she told BBC Breakfast.
"The Government itself is clearly acknowledging that by announcing more and more changes to it."


birminghammail--2020-08-12--Loose Women star slammed for 'casual sex in bike sheds' cheating comment

Denise Welch has been slammed by furious ex-husband Tim Healy for talking about how she cheated on him while they were married .
Benidorm star Tim , 68 , took to Twitter after watching ITV show Loose Women which aired a throwback clip of Denise .
She was speaking about having casual sex `` behind the bike sheds '' while she was married to him .
Candid Denise had claimed in the clip that cheating on a partner with sex was not as bad as emotional infidelity , reports The Mirror .
In a now deleted tweet the actor wrote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Women .
`` Denise in her day was talking about how it was ok to have casual sex behind the bike shed even though married .
`` Day after day year on year she discussed our private life .
Long suffering Tim Healy I am no more xx . ''
Denise , 62 , had spoken out on Monday 's Loose Women show saying that when she said she could forgive a partner for cheating , she was not in a good place .
The actress said : `` My husband and I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long and we were making each other miserable and thankfully we 've now got a great friendship .
`` I genuinely used to think that being unfaithful was n't the worst thing you could do in a relationship .
There were infidelities on both sides ... which you girls know about . ''
The now teetotal star , who is happily married to fellow teetotaller Lincoln Townley , also blamed booze and drugs for taking away her `` moral compass '' .
Denise confessed : `` I did n't used to think that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would give me everything and stop me wanting to cheat , I really did n't ... and then I met Lincoln and we took alcohol out of our lives .
`` Drink and drugs ruin your moral compass ... basically you do n't have one and I realise that now . ''
She added : `` I now have a husband I trust 100 % .
It would kill me if I even saw any text messages .
`` I can still appreciate people 's attractiveness but I have found a man I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ am a completely different person now . ''
Tim , who shot to fame on Auf Wiedersehen , Pet , was married to Denise for 24 years before splitting in 2012 .
Denise married Lincoln a year after in 2013 while Tim has been married to Joan Anderton since 2015 .
Denise and Tim have two sons - Matt , who is the frontman for award-winning band 1975 and Louis , who is an actor like his parents .
The pair had previously enjoyed an amicable relationship which had seen them spend Christmas @ @ @ @ @ @

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (James Brinsford, Sanjeeta Bains)

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Denise Welch has been slammed by furious ex-husband Tim Healy for talking about how she cheated on him while they were married.
Benidorm star Tim, 68, took to Twitter after watching ITV show Loose Women which aired a throwback clip of Denise.
She was speaking about having casual sex "behind the bike sheds" while she was married to him.
Candid Denise had claimed in the clip that cheating on a partner with sex was not as bad as emotional infidelity, reports The Mirror.
In a now deleted tweet the actor wrote: "Just watched yesterday's Loose Women.
"Denise in her day was talking about how it was ok to have casual sex behind the bike shed even though married.
"Day after day year on year she discussed our private life. Long suffering Tim Healy I am no more xx."
Denise, 62, had spoken out on Monday's Loose Women show saying that when she said she could forgive a partner for cheating, she was not in a good place.
The actress said: "My husband and I both agree we held on far too long and we were making each other miserable and thankfully we've now got a great friendship.
(Image: Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images for B)
"I genuinely used to think that being unfaithful wasn't the worst thing you could do in a relationship. There were infidelities on both sides... which you girls know about."
The now teetotal star, who is happily married to fellow teetotaller Lincoln Townley, also blamed booze and drugs for taking away her "moral compass".
Denise confessed: "I didn't used to think that there was anyone I could meet that would give me everything and stop me wanting to cheat, I really didn't... and then I met Lincoln and we took alcohol out of our lives.
"Drink and drugs ruin your moral compass... basically you don't have one and I realise that now."
She added: "I now have a husband I trust 100%. It would kill me if I even saw any text messages.
"I can still appreciate people's attractiveness but I have found a man I love and he does me and I am a completely different person now."
Tim, who shot to fame on Auf Wiedersehen, Pet, was married to Denise for 24 years before splitting in 2012.
Denise married Lincoln a year after in 2013 while Tim has been married to Joan Anderton since 2015.
Denise and Tim have two sons - Matt, who is the frontman for award-winning band 1975 and Louis, who is an actor like his parents.
The pair had previously enjoyed an amicable relationship which had seen them spend Christmas together with their current partners.


birminghammail--2020-08-12--Four shot in 14 hours as 'criminals back settling scores'

Four young men were left injured in two double shootings 14 hours apart as the deputy police and crime commissioner warned : 'Things may get worse ' .
The victims , all in their twenties , were gunned down less than three miles from each other in two separate shocking attacks on consecutive days this week .
Two , aged 22 and 26 , suffered minor injuries to their legs as a firearm was blasted into Finch Road , Lozells in broad daylight at 11am on Monday .
Both made their own way to hospital before leaving without treatment for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at 1.15am on Tuesday , another pair were blasted in a drive-by shooting nearby in Nechells Park Road , Nechells .
A 24-year-old and another aged 28 presented themselves at hospital with gunshot wounds to their arm and back after a firearm was discharged from a car .
None of their injuries were said to be serious and West Midlands Police is investigating the shootings , but they are not being linked .
In the wake of the attacks , deputy police and crime commissioner Waheed Saleem warned the upsurge in violence may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He said criminals are now back on city streets `` likely settling scores '' built up over the coronavirus lockdown as he branded the four shootings 'very worrying ' .
Mr Saleem also highlighted fears for young people who could be drawn into gangs amid the lack of job prospects post-Covid .
The Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner , Waheed Saleem said : `` The recent upsurge in violence , including these recent shootings is very worrying .
“ I ’ ve been saying for sometime now that the criminals are coming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ violence and likely ‘ settling scores ’ .
`` When you couple this with the usual surge in crime during the summer months , I am concerned about the possibility of very high demand for our police .
“ In the comings weeks and months , as things may get worse , especially for young people who find themselves unable to get a job because of the state of the economy , or have been out of school for six months that they become drawn into criminality we risk losing a generation if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intervention from government .
“ These people want to succeed , but opportunities are lacking .
That ’ s why I ’ ve been calling for a ‘ Future Generations Deal ’ to ensure that young people can get on in life , get a good education , a job and training and thrive.
” No arrests have been made in either shooting and witnesses are urged to come forward .
Anyone with information is urged to contact police via Live Chat at www.west-midlands.police.uk 8am - midnight or call 101 anytime .
Crimestoppers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 111 .
For information on the Nechells Park Road shooting - quote log number 182 of 11 August .
For information on the Finch Road shooting - quote crime reference number 20BW/189010M/20 .

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Four young men were left injured in two double shootings 14 hours apart as the deputy police and crime commissioner warned: 'Things may get worse'.
The victims, all in their twenties, were gunned down less than three miles from each other in two separate shocking attacks on consecutive days this week.
Two, aged 22 and 26, suffered minor injuries to their legs as a firearm was blasted into Finch Road, Lozells in broad daylight at 11am on Monday.
Both made their own way to hospital before leaving without treatment for their wounds. Police later said they were treated for gunshot injuries.
(Image: Birmingham Mail)
Just hours later, at 1.15am on Tuesday, another pair were blasted in a drive-by shooting nearby in Nechells Park Road, Nechells.
A 24-year-old and another aged 28 presented themselves at hospital with gunshot wounds to their arm and back after a firearm was discharged from a car.
None of their injuries were said to be serious and West Midlands Police is investigating the shootings, but they are not being linked.
In the wake of the attacks, deputy police and crime commissioner Waheed Saleem warned the upsurge in violence may continue in the coming weeks and months.
He said criminals are now back on city streets "likely settling scores" built up over the coronavirus lockdown as he branded the four shootings 'very worrying'.
Mr Saleem also highlighted fears for young people who could be drawn into gangs amid the lack of job prospects post-Covid.
The Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner, Waheed Saleem said: " The recent upsurge in violence, including these recent shootings is very worrying.
“I’ve been saying for sometime now that the criminals are coming out of lockdown and are back committing violence and likely ‘settling scores’.
"When you couple this with the usual surge in crime during the summer months, I am concerned about the possibility of very high demand for our police.
“In the comings weeks and months, as things may get worse, especially for young people who find themselves unable to get a job because of the state of the economy, or have been out of school for six months that they become drawn into criminality we risk losing a generation if we don’t see some strong intervention from government.
“These people want to succeed, but opportunities are lacking. That’s why I’ve been calling for a ‘Future Generations Deal’ to ensure that young people can get on in life, get a good education, a job and training and thrive.”
(Image: Birmingham Mail)
No arrests have been made in either shooting and witnesses are urged to come forward.
Anyone with information is urged to contact police via Live Chat at www.west-midlands.police.uk 8am - midnight or call 101 anytime. Crimestoppers can be called anonymously on 0800 555 111.
For information on the Nechells Park Road shooting - quote log number 182 of 11 August.
For information on the Finch Road shooting - quote crime reference number 20BW/189010M/20.


birminghammail--2020-08-12--Wolves receive transfer windfall from Leeds United & Fulham deals

Wolverhampton Wanderers have banked around £10 million because of promotion bonuses in deals with Fulham and Leeds United for Ivan Cavaleiro and Helder Costa respectively .
The wingers have departed Molineux on permanent deals after spending time on loan at the two sides .
Cavaleiro went up through the play-offs with Fulham while Costa clinched the Championship title with Marcelo Bielsa 's Leeds .
The former completed his departure from Molineux in January while Costa moved to Elland Road permanently for £15 million last month .
Sign up for our Wolves newsletter with your email in the box at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The pair made over 200 appearances combined for Wolves before departing the club , with the wingers falling out of favour with Nuno Espirito Santo .
According to the Daily Mail , Wolves have received bonuses of a combined £10m because the pair achieved promotion , handing the club a handy amount as Premier League sides grapple with the economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic .
Cavaleiro was one of the first big-money signigns of the Fosun era when he cost a club-record £7m from AS Monaco in August 2016 .
Costa , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before but made hsi Molienux stay permanent the following January when he broke Cavaleiro 's transfer record .
There 's a quick and easy way to stay on top of all the Wolverhampton Wanderers news with our daily newsletter .
Delivered straight into your email inbox each day , the bulletins will feature the latest Wolves news , views , gossip and opinion .
All you have to do is punch your email in at the top of the article - it looks just like this ... And what 's more , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get all the latest updates by following us on Facebook and Twitter .
We also have a free app which you can download .
It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region .
Google Play Store and App Store He cost £13m and it proved to be money well spent , with Costa contributing five goals and six assists in the 2017-18 promotion season .
The pair struggled to adapt to the Premier League , though , making 48 appearances combined in the two seasons Wolves have been back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They will be back at Molineux in 2020-21 , though , but as visiting players .

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Wolverhampton Wanderers have banked around £10 million because of promotion bonuses in deals with Fulham and Leeds United for Ivan Cavaleiro and Helder Costa respectively.
The wingers have departed Molineux on permanent deals after spending time on loan at the two sides.
Cavaleiro went up through the play-offs with Fulham while Costa clinched the Championship title with Marcelo Bielsa's Leeds.
The former completed his departure from Molineux in January while Costa moved to Elland Road permanently for £15 million last month.
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The pair made over 200 appearances combined for Wolves before departing the club, with the wingers falling out of favour with Nuno Espirito Santo.
According to the Daily Mail, Wolves have received bonuses of a combined £10m because the pair achieved promotion, handing the club a handy amount as Premier League sides grapple with the economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic.
Cavaleiro was one of the first big-money signigns of the Fosun era when he cost a club-record £7m from AS Monaco in August 2016.
Costa, meanwhile, arrived on loan a month before but made hsi Molienux stay permanent the following January when he broke Cavaleiro's transfer record.
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He cost £13m and it proved to be money well spent, with Costa contributing five goals and six assists in the 2017-18 promotion season.
The pair struggled to adapt to the Premier League, though, making 48 appearances combined in the two seasons Wolves have been back in the top flight under Nuno.
They will be back at Molineux in 2020-21, though, but as visiting players.


birminghammail--2020-08-12--'Obscene' - Villa fan sparks reaction after making Wolves claim

Are you supposed to be pleased for a local rival if they make waves on the continent ?
Or is still fun to revel in their misery when things go wrong , on the biggest of stages ?
When Wolves were knocked out of the Europa League in heartbreaking circumstances on Tuesday night , one Aston Villa supporter called up talkSPORT to discuss exactly that topic .
Indeed this fan , who went by the name of Russ , actually expressed his sadness at Nuno ’ s old gold outfit bowing out of the competition at the hands of Sevilla @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the continental stage for English clubs enhances the reputation of the Premier League in general , Russ ’ thoughts left hosts Andy Goldstein and Jason Cundy staggered at the idea that a Villa fan could be rooting for a rival .
Presenter Goldstein began : “ They ’ re your neighbours , Wolves , so I ’ m guessing that without doubt you wanted them to lose.
” Russ the Villa fan , though , replied : “ It seems a bit obscene , but no .
With it being a European competition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I ’ d have liked to have seen Wolves get as far as they could ’ ve gone .
“ It ’ s Premier League English football , it would ’ ve been a big statement for all the teams.
” Goldstein replied : “ If Wolves win the competition , they get more money , attract better players , they become much better than Villa - they are better anyway - but they become much better .
Sign up to our Villa newsletter for Jack Grealish transfer updates Why should you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ player Jack Grealish is the biggest talking point of the summer and we will bring you all the news around his future .
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We also have a free app which you can download .
It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ That was going to happen .
Why did you want that to happen ?
” “ Not for history , you can ’ t take that away from us , ” Russ responded .
“ Villa are a much bigger club than Wolves.
” “ Yes but Wolves are much better than Villa , ” Goldstein interjected .
“ At the moment , ” Russ conceded .
“ But Villa , in their first season back in the Prem they managed to survive and they ’ re going to build on it.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ full at the top of this page .

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Are you supposed to be pleased for a local rival if they make waves on the continent?
Or is still fun to revel in their misery when things go wrong, on the biggest of stages?
When Wolves were knocked out of the Europa League in heartbreaking circumstances on Tuesday night, one Aston Villa supporter called up talkSPORT to discuss exactly that topic.
Indeed this fan, who went by the name of Russ, actually expressed his sadness at Nuno’s old gold outfit bowing out of the competition at the hands of Sevilla.
Of the opinion that success on the continental stage for English clubs enhances the reputation of the Premier League in general, Russ’ thoughts left hosts Andy Goldstein and Jason Cundy staggered at the idea that a Villa fan could be rooting for a rival.
Presenter Goldstein began: “They’re your neighbours, Wolves, so I’m guessing that without doubt you wanted them to lose.”
Russ the Villa fan, though, replied: “It seems a bit obscene, but no. With it being a European competition, and English teams in the competition, I’d have liked to have seen Wolves get as far as they could’ve gone.
“It’s Premier League English football, it would’ve been a big statement for all the teams.”
Goldstein replied: “If Wolves win the competition, they get more money, attract better players, they become much better than Villa - they are better anyway - but they become much better.
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.
“That was going to happen. Why did you want that to happen?”
“Not for history, you can’t take that away from us,” Russ responded. “Villa are a much bigger club than Wolves.”
“Yes but Wolves are much better than Villa,” Goldstein interjected.
“At the moment,” Russ conceded. “But Villa, in their first season back in the Prem they managed to survive and they’re going to build on it.”
You can watch the video in full at the top of this page.


birminghammail--2020-08-12--Aberdeen train crash three confirmed dead

Three people , including the driver , are confirmed dead after a train derailed in Stonehaven , Scotland .
Emergency services rushed to the scene in Aberdeenshire after the crash which happened at around 9.45am this morning ( Wednesday August 12 ) - amid flooding and heavy rain .
A further six people were taken to hospital with injuries , British Transport Police said .
Rail industry sources said they believed the cause of the incident was a landslip .
Smoke could be seen billowing from the ScotRail train on the track in the countryside , after the train plummeted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thunderstorms had caused travel disruption and flooding in the area this week .
The portion of railway where the train derailed has rivers running alongside and under it in some areas .
PA reports footage shared on social media this week showed waterlogged tracks .
An annual health and safety report by the Office of Rail and Road ( ORR ) said there were six times more flooding events on Britain ’ s railways in 2019-20 than during the previous 12 months , reports The Mirror .
It also noted a spike in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the network .
Speaking after news broke of the crash , Prime Minister Boris Johnson said : `` I am saddened to learn of the very serious incident in Aberdeenshire and my thoughts are with all of those affected .
My thanks to the emergency services at the scene . ''

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Three people, including the driver, are confirmed dead after a train derailed in Stonehaven, Scotland.
Emergency services rushed to the scene in Aberdeenshire after the crash which happened at around 9.45am this morning (Wednesday August 12) - amid flooding and heavy rain.
A further six people were taken to hospital with injuries, British Transport Police said.
Rail industry sources said they believed the cause of the incident was a landslip.
Smoke could be seen billowing from the ScotRail train on the track in the countryside, after the train plummeted down an embankment.
Heavy rain and thunderstorms had caused travel disruption and flooding in the area this week.
The portion of railway where the train derailed has rivers running alongside and under it in some areas. PA reports footage shared on social media this week showed waterlogged tracks.
(Image: PA)
An annual health and safety report by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) said there were six times more flooding events on Britain’s railways in 2019-20 than during the previous 12 months, reports The Mirror.
It also noted a spike in landslips, demonstrating the “vulnerability” of the network.
Speaking after news broke of the crash, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: "I am saddened to learn of the very serious incident in Aberdeenshire and my thoughts are with all of those affected. My thanks to the emergency services at the scene."


birminghammail--2020-08-12--Watch: Live stream as Bellingham makes Borussia Dortmund debut

Borussia Dortmund have kicked off their pre-season campaign this summer with a friendly match against Austrian outfit Rheindorf Altach on @ @ @ @ @ , a pre-season game is just a run-out in preparation for the serious stuff that @ @ @ @ @ for Jude Bellingham , it ’ s the first opportunity for him to showcase his @ @ @ @ @ .
The 17-year-old became the world ’ s most expensive player at that age when @ @ @ @ @ City last month , and he ’ s already been getting used to his new @ @ @ @ @ the stars .
Bellingham has been rubbing shoulders with Erling Haaland , Jadon Sancho , @ @ @ @ @ , among others , since his move , and was named as a starter in @ @ @ @ @ Indeed he played a part in the build up to the opening goal , as @ @ @ @ @ the lead .
You can watch the live stream of the game , via Dortmund @ @ @ @ @ at the top of this page .

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Borussia Dortmund have kicked off their pre-season campaign this summer with a friendly match against Austrian outfit Rheindorf Altach on Wednesday afternoon.
For most, a pre-season game is just a run-out in preparation for the serious stuff that is on the horizon; for Jude Bellingham, it’s the first opportunity for him to showcase his talents since joining the club.
The 17-year-old became the world’s most expensive player at that age when he joined BVB from Birmingham City last month, and he’s already been getting used to his new surroundings while in training with the stars.
Bellingham has been rubbing shoulders with Erling Haaland, Jadon Sancho, Mats Hummels and Emre Can, among others, since his move, and was named as a starter in the match at Altach.
Indeed he played a part in the build up to the opening goal, as the Black and Yellow took the lead.
You can watch the live stream of the game, via Dortmund’s YouTube channel, at the top of this page.


birminghammail--2020-08-12--Hair salon shuts in Sutton Coldfield after visitor tests positive for Covid-19

A hair salon in Birmingham has been closed after a recent visitor confirmed they tested positive for Covid-19 .
Toni & Guy in The Parade in Sutton Coldfield closed its doors to customers today ( August 12 ) after someone on a recent visit confirmed they has a positive coronavirus test .
The salon would not confirm if it was a customer or a staff member but said they had `` been in the salon in the last couple of days '' .
They have been contacting customers to tell them about the positive Covid case .
A customer contacted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an appointment at the salon booked .
But they have phoned up and cancelled .
“ They said someone has been in the salon with a confirmed case of coronavirus .
“ They are closing today ( Wednesday , August 12 ) for a deep clean .
But I was told I can rebook for tomorrow .
I am going to wait a little longer . ''
A sign in the shops window reads : “ Wed 12 Aug Salon closed for Deep Clean .
If you need contact us call 0121 355 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Sutton and a spokesman said : “ We have been alerted that someone who was in the salon has tested positive for coronavirus .
“ They had been in the salon within the last couple of days .
“ The right thing to do was to close the salon .
We will deep clean and disinfect it .
“ We have done everything we can do and will continue to do everything we can do.
” Public Health England in the West Midlands , which is linked to the Government ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ Our Health Protection Team has not currently been notified of this.
” While a spokesman for Birmingham City Council , which is responsible for community tracing said : “ Dr Justin Varney , Director of Public Health , is away this week so is not able to handle enquires .
However I do not think we would be able to comment on individual businesses .
“ The procedure they follow will be that from Government , which encourages a self-isolation for people that are exposed and a deep clean of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week after a pub closed its doors after several people tested positive .
The Soho Foundry Tavern in Smethwick had held a BBQ last week , and was tracing anyone who had attended urging them to self isolate .

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A hair salon in Birmingham has been closed after a recent visitor confirmed they tested positive for Covid-19.
Toni & Guy in The Parade in Sutton Coldfield closed its doors to customers today (August 12) after someone on a recent visit confirmed they has a positive coronavirus test.
The salon would not confirm if it was a customer or a staff member but said they had "been in the salon in the last couple of days".
They have been contacting customers to tell them about the positive Covid case.
A customer contacted BirminghamLive and said: “I had an appointment at the salon booked. But they have phoned up and cancelled.
“They said someone has been in the salon with a confirmed case of coronavirus.
“They are closing today (Wednesday, August 12) for a deep clean. But I was told I can rebook for tomorrow. I am going to wait a little longer."
A sign in the shops window reads: “Wed 12 Aug Salon closed for Deep Clean. If you need contact us call 0121 355 5552.”
BirminghamLive contacted Toni & Guy in Sutton and a spokesman said: “We have been alerted that someone who was in the salon has tested positive for coronavirus.
“They had been in the salon within the last couple of days.
“The right thing to do was to close the salon. We will deep clean and disinfect it.
“We have done everything we can do and will continue to do everything we can do.”
Public Health England in the West Midlands, which is linked to the Government’s NHS Test and Trace service, said: “Our Health Protection Team has not currently been notified of this.”
While a spokesman for Birmingham City Council, which is responsible for community tracing said: “Dr Justin Varney, Director of Public Health, is away this week so is not able to handle enquires. However I do not think we would be able to comment on individual businesses.
“The procedure they follow will be that from Government, which encourages a self-isolation for people that are exposed and a deep clean of the business.”
The closure comes almost a week after a pub closed its doors after several people tested positive.
The Soho Foundry Tavern in Smethwick had held a BBQ last week, and was tracing anyone who had attended urging them to self isolate.


birminghammail--2020-08-13--Owner reject complaints against 'half-naked' bar licence  claim

Several objections to an Aston bar accused of hosting 'half-naked dancers ' are 'false and malicious ' , a representative of the bar has said .
And an application for a late-night alcohol licence by the bar should be granted , he continued , as it will be providing a vital resource to the local community .
Neighbours say the music venue has become a magnet for rowdy behaviour , drugs and 'half-naked dancers ' .
Speaking during a licensing hearing on Monday , Mr Rahman , representing the Ammazan Hub Bar in Aston , said a late-night licence was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to gather late at night , with several working in industries that do not finish until late .
The bar is applying for a late-night alcohol licence to serve between 11pm and 3am , but several objections have been received to the proposals .
These include letters from a nearby Mosque , church , and several local residents , all who claim the venue is already contributing to unacceptable levels of noise and antisocial behaviour .
Responding to the allegations , Mr Rahman claimed the venue had not even opened fully yet , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ event - despite the company posting about 'late late ' events on their Facebook page .
“ First of all these premises are not open yet , '' he said .
`` There have been two activities , one of which was a birthday party , which was during the daytime , and another one was where another charity organisation used the premises to carry out some events , again during the daytime .
`` In one of the representations received , he mentions in his representation that ‘ myself and residents of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ houses ’ - so Mr Hakim went to this Grove , and he asked the people there if there was a problem - and as you can see several residents have signed to say there are no problems .
`` Then he knocked on the address that is on this application , and met with the gentleman named .
`` To the surprise of him , he states that he has made no such representation .
`` And we have a statement here which confirms that he has made no statement against the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' The application will be determined by the end of the week .

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Several objections to an Aston bar accused of hosting 'half-naked dancers' are 'false and malicious', a representative of the bar has said.
And an application for a late-night refreshment licence by the bar should be granted, he continued, as it will be providing a vital resource to the local community.
Neighbours say the music venue has become a magnet for rowdy behaviour, drugs and 'half-naked dancers'.
Speaking during a licensing hearing on Monday, Mr Rahman, representing the Ammazan Hub Bar in Aston, said a late-night licence was necessary for members of the Bangladeshi community to gather late at night, with several working in industries that do not finish until late.
The bar is applying for a late-night refreshment licence to serve between 11pm and 3am, but several objections have been received to the proposals.
These include letters from a nearby Mosque, church, and several local residents, all who claim the venue is already contributing to unacceptable levels of noise and antisocial behaviour.
Responding to the allegations, Mr Rahman claimed the venue had not even opened fully yet, and hadn't yet hosted a night-time event - despite the company posting about 'late late' events on their Facebook page.
“First of all these premises are not open yet," he said.
"There have been two activities, one of which was a birthday party, which was during the daytime, and another one was where another charity organisation used the premises to carry out some events, again during the daytime.
"In one of the representations received, he mentions in his representation that ‘myself and residents of the Grove, which amounts to ten houses’ - so Mr Hakim went to this Grove, and he asked the people there if there was a problem - and as you can see several residents have signed to say there are no problems.
"Then he knocked on the address that is on this application, and met with the gentleman named.
"To the surprise of him, he states that he has made no such representation.
"And we have a statement here which confirms that he has made no statement against the premises license application for Ammazan Hub."
The application will be determined by the end of the week.


birminghammail--2020-08-13--New Milot Rashica claim sends Aston Villa fans into a frenzy

Aston Villa are reportedly leading the chase for Werder Bremen forward Milot Rashica .
Villa are prioritising attacking reinforcements for Dean Smith 's squad and Rashica , the Kosovo international , has been linked for several months .
The 24-year-old scored an impressive 11 goals and assisted eight more in 32 appearances last season for Werder , who finished third-bottom of the Bundesliga .
He has been in talks with RB Leipzig while he was left out of Werder 's friendly against Eintracht Braunschweig on Sunday due to what his head coach Florian Kohfeldt described as `` the possible situation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to our Villa newsletter for Milot Rashica transfer updates Why should you sign up ?
Villa have been strongly linked with a move for the Werder Bremen star , with fans excitedly awaiting his possible arrival .
With that in mind , we will bring you all the news around the Albanian winger 's 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 .
How do you sign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 do n't think you 'll want to .
And what 's more , it 's absolutely free !
You can also get all the latest updates by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 According to reports from Rashica 's homeland , Villa are now favourites to complete a deal this summer .
SuperSport Kosovo claim the player 's representatives are in 'advanced talks ' with Villa .
They report : `` Milot Rashica will leave Werder Bremen , further away by the end of next week .
`` A few weeks ago he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but Werder Bremen is not satisfied with the offer .
An official request for Rashica 's services have been made by Monaco , Aston Villa and Wolverhampton .
`` According to my sources , Aston Villa 's offer is the most important for Werder and it is likely that Rashica will be transferred to the Premier League next week . ''
The update sent Villa fans on social media into a frenzy , with one writing : `` Front three of Jack , Watkins & Rashica is frightening . ''
`` Key with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with him , is : Talent is there .
Strong .
Thinks and reacts fast .
Explosive .
Work ethic .
A lot of energy .
Football sense .
The rest is coachable ! ''
said another .
A third excited supporter posted : `` This would be a coup .
Rashica can play people . ''
`` What I 'll say about Rashica is , he looks very much like the type of player Ashley Young was for us , pacey , switches left to right , likes a shot from distance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what we need in my opinion . ''
A fifth beamed : `` Absolutely great news to wake up to .
I really hope this happens and doesn ’ t mean we won ’ t also go for Benrahma also .
Both of them together with Watkins , is the young attacking force we ’ ve been waiting for , for years ! ''

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Aston Villa are reportedly leading the chase for Werder Bremen forward Milot Rashica.
Villa are prioritising attacking reinforcements for Dean Smith's squad and Rashica, the Kosovo international, has been linked for several months.
The 24-year-old scored an impressive 11 goals and assisted eight more in 32 appearances last season for Werder, who finished third-bottom of the Bundesliga.
He has been in talks with RB Leipzig while he was left out of Werder's friendly against Eintracht Braunschweig on Sunday due to what his head coach Florian Kohfeldt described as "the possible situation of a transfer".
Sign up to our Villa newsletter for Morgan Sanson transfer updates Why should you sign up? Villa have been strongly linked with a move for the Marseille star, with fans excitedly awaiting his possible arrival. With that in mind, we will bring you all the news around the French midfielder's 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. 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
According to reports from Rashica's homeland, Villa are now favourites to complete a deal this summer.
SuperSport Kosovo claim the player's representatives are in 'advanced talks' with Villa. They report: "Milot Rashica will leave Werder Bremen, further away by the end of next week.
"A few weeks ago he had reached a personal agreement with Leipzig but Werder Bremen is not satisfied with the offer. An official request for Rashica's services have been made by Monaco, Aston Villa and Wolverhampton.
"According to my sources, Aston Villa's offer is the most important for Werder and it is likely that Rashica will be transferred to the Premier League next week."
The update sent Villa fans on social media into a frenzy, with one writing: "Front three of Jack, Watkins & Rashica is frightening."
"Key with Rashica, and what is so exciting with him, is: Talent is there. Strong. Thinks and reacts fast. Explosive. Work ethic. A lot of energy. Football sense. The rest is coachable!" said another.
A third excited supporter posted: "This would be a coup. Rashica can play people."
"What I'll say about Rashica is, he looks very much like the type of player Ashley Young was for us, pacey, switches left to right, likes a shot from distance," added another. "Exactly what we need in my opinion."
A fifth beamed: "Absolutely great news to wake up to. I really hope this happens and doesn’t mean we won’t also go for Benrahma also. Both of them together with Watkins, is the young attacking force we’ve been waiting for, for years!"