birminghammail--2020-01-21--'Cruelly denied' - Birmingham City player ratings from Middlesbrough draw

Birmingham City were denied a deserved away victory by a late Middlesbrough equaliser .
Blues went ahead through Lukas Jutkiewicz midway through the first half - his tenth of the season .
But they were made to pay for failing to take their chances when Ashley Fletcher poked home with nine minutes to go .
Had virtually nothing to do before the penalty - and dived to his right to turn away .
A big save when his side needed it .
One good keeper-sweeper moment too .
A nice balance between attack and defence in the first half , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johnson in his own area .
Pinned back in the second half , unfortunate that the cross for the equaliser came from his side .
Showed his aerial prowess and decent pace when the defence got turned .
Fletcher nipped in front of him for the goal - the only knock on a very good display .
Arguably he should have scored from a Maghoma corner too .
Stood up well to the powerful Ashley Fletcher .
Covered well , good anticipation , made his clearances , won his headers , was the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ committed displays are becoming the norm for the Dane now .
He wasn ’ t picked out when he made his best runs forward but did have one header on to the roof of the net .
Covered plenty of ground and closed well , battled throughout and made a couple of vital cover tackles in his own box .
Hurtled around like a man possessed in the first half .
One superb run down the right almost produced a second goal but also conceded the penalty and flew into tackles .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he carried Blues upfield .
Put in one inviting back-post cross late in the opening period but wasted a couple of other openings , including a free kick on the apex of the box early in the second half .
But his willingness to work back was commendable .
Hit the post after a neat touch to work himself space in the 33rd minute .
He did his work closing down , offered himself but perhaps his most meaningful contribution was a vital covering tackle that ended a Boro counter just before he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a pinpoint cross on to Jutkiewicz ’ s grateful bonce .
A real threat which ever side he patrolled .
Taken off with 14 minutes to go as he tired .
For once he enjoyed a mismatch against a callow back three , Howson was no match for his strength and aerial power .
Cruelly denied a late winner after a very strong performance .

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Birmingham City were denied a deserved away victory by a late Middlesbrough equaliser.
Blues went ahead through Lukas Jutkiewicz midway through the first half - his tenth of the season.
But they were made to pay for failing to take their chances when Ashley Fletcher poked home with nine minutes to go.
Here’s how their players rated...
STARTING FORMATION
4-2-3-1
CAMP 7
Had virtually nothing to do before the penalty - and dived to his right to turn away. A big save when his side needed it. One good keeper-sweeper moment too.
COLIN 6.5
A nice balance between attack and defence in the first half, characterised by an important tackle on Marvin Johnson in his own area. Pinned back in the second half, unfortunate that the cross for the equaliser came from his side.
ROBERTS 7.5
Showed his aerial prowess and decent pace when the defence got turned. Fletcher nipped in front of him for the goal - the only knock on a very good display. Arguably he should have scored from a Maghoma corner too.
*CLARKE-SALTER 8
Stood up well to the powerful Ashley Fletcher. Covered well, good anticipation, made his clearances, won his headers, was the embodiment of calm.
PEDERSEN 7.5
These composed and committed displays are becoming the norm for the Dane now. He wasn’t picked out when he made his best runs forward but did have one header on to the roof of the net.
DAVIS 7
Covered plenty of ground and closed well, battled throughout and made a couple of vital cover tackles in his own box.
GARDNER 7
Hurtled around like a man possessed in the first half. One superb run down the right almost produced a second goal but also conceded the penalty and flew into tackles. A powerful influence in the second half when he carried Blues upfield.
MAGHOMA 6.5
Put in one inviting back-post cross late in the opening period but wasted a couple of other openings, including a free kick on the apex of the box early in the second half. But his willingness to work back was commendable.
MRABTI 6
Hit the post after a neat touch to work himself space in the 33rd minute. He did his work closing down, offered himself but perhaps his most meaningful contribution was a vital covering tackle that ended a Boro counter just before he came off.
BELA 7
Yet another assist, a pinpoint cross on to Jutkiewicz’s grateful bonce. A real threat which ever side he patrolled. Taken off with 14 minutes to go as he tired.
JUTKIEWICZ 7.5
For once he enjoyed a mismatch against a callow back three, Howson was no match for his strength and aerial power. Cruelly denied a late winner after a very strong performance.
SUBSTITUTES
CROWLEY (for Mrabti, 61) Inventive 6
BELLINGHAM (for Bela, 76) N/A
Not used : Trueman, Montero, McEachran, Sunjic, Gimenez
(Image: Tim Easthope)
OPPOSITION
BORO (3-4-1-2): Pears; Fry (Wood 36), Howson, McNair; Spence, Wing, Saville (Gestede 67), Johnson; Roberts (Tavernier 24); Nmecha, Fletcher. Not used: Mejias, Clayton, Reading, Liddle
GOALS
BORO : Fletcher (81)
BLUES : Jutkiewicz (27)
THE REF : Andy Woolmer
ATTENDANCE : 18,350
NEXT UP : Coventry City (h), Saturday, January 26, 3pm kick-off


birminghammail--2020-01-21--Aston Villa player ratings as 'colossal' Tyrone Mings snatches late winner vs Watford

Aston Villa battled back from the brink to snatch all three points against fellow relegation rivals Watford at Villa Park .
It was Tyrone Mings ' deflected effort which won it right at the death , Ezri Konsa 's speculative drive nipping off Mings on the floor with the ball flying into the back of the net .
Villa nemesis Troy Deeney opened the scoring for his six goal in four games against the hosts , with substitute Douglas Luiz restoring hope with a little over 20 minutes to go .
Dean Smith 's resurgent side continued to press and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their reward - with Villa Park exploding here in Aston .
Here 's how we rated Villa 's brave stars who battled on right to the very end .
Made his Villa Park debut and bravely opted for short-sleeve goalkeeper shirt .
He kicked a couple of hospital passes Targett 's way 10 minutes in but looked the coolest guy in Villa Park .
Had no chance with Deeney 's close-range opener .
Made a hash of a Deulofeu volley but saved brilliantly to deny Deeney 's second .
He 's a cool @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opposition pressure .
Has great distribution .
Smacked clear a dangerous free-kick late on .
Looked nervy throughout the opening half , reaffirmed when he misplaced what was a standard ball to control which allowed Watford in for another breakaway .
Improved in the second 45 and thought he won it with a brilliant drive towards goal - only for the ball to nip off Mings .
A super effort by the centre-back who really enjoyed the scenes at full time .
The vocal leader of the back three , tries to keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of him .
Took a powerful Pereyra drive to the back of the head , knocking him to the turf like many of boxer Deontay Wilder 's opponents .
A lot of Villa 's play started through Mings , and it was the colossal centre-back who drove forward , teeing up Konsa before the ball nicked off Mings for a dramatic late winner .
My star man , an absolute steam train .
Booked .
Awarded with an almighty 'Well innn ' after crunching Capoue , but was groaned at for not looking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statue-like after Deulofeu knocked it around him to assist Deeney .
Was kept less busier as Watford sat back .
Smelt the danger to dispossess Gray with five to go and won some crucial challenges late on .
Suffered with toothache all week after posing for an online snap with a badly-swollen cheek - and took one to the face early doors .
Always an out-ball for the midfield on the right flank but had to be alert to keep a watchful eye on the ever-lively Deulofeu .
First time he 's started @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was at Leicester in May 2017 .
Started positively once again , looking to get on the ball but the game ran away from him .
Showcased a couple of swish cross-field passes and looked to drive forward but lacked that crispness on the ball you have when you 're playing week in , week out .
Walked off frustrated after being subbed 10 minutes after the break .
Cup-tied for Leicester next week .
Much better from the Zimbabwean who looked a little like his old self again .
Has definitely been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Up against the likes of Capoue and Doucoure so never easy but he did his all to attempt to keep Villa ticking .
Kept plugging away .
Rallied until the very end and his efforts were rewarded .
Arguably Villa 's most potent threat down the left .
Continued to work with Grealish with the pair having a sound understanding together .
It was Targett 's drive which was all too hot to handle for Foster , allowing Douglas to crash home a vital equaliser .
A solid enough showing from Villa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lack composure when in advanced areas .
It 's becoming the same old story with Trezeguet , for all of his will and work ethic , there 's a clear lack of end product .
He did , though , to his credit , win vital corners and throw-ins to alleviate some pressure .
He 's just a blunt winger at the minute .
Operated as Villa 's unorthodox No.9 again - but struggled once more being played out of position .
Did n't do anything of note , in truth .
Worked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Pushed The man who carries the weight of Villa on his shoulders .
Continued to be a thorn in Watford 's side and went right at them until the very end .
Was patient to set up Targett which led to Villa 's first .
Absolutely loved it at the end .
A fine showing again with his team-mates finally chipping in .
Came on for Drinkwater and , just like at Brighton , made an instant impact .
It was a surprise he did n't start this one after that super @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Park , the confident Brazilian went one better by smacking home the equaliser just 12 minutes after coming on to send the Holte End crazy .
Did n't see much of the ball again but was the impetus needed to give Watford something to think about .

Aston Villa battled back from the brink to snatch all three points against fellow relegation rivals Watford at Villa Park.
It was Tyrone Mings' deflected effort which won it right at the death, Ezri Konsa's speculative drive nipping off Mings on the floor with the ball flying into the back of the net.
Villa nemesis Troy Deeney opened the scoring for his six goal in four games against the hosts, with substitute Douglas Luiz restoring hope with a little over 20 minutes to go.
Dean Smith's resurgent side continued to press and, in the end, they got their reward - with Villa Park exploding here in Aston.
Here's how we rated Villa's brave stars who battled on right to the very end.
Pepe Reina, 7
Made his Villa Park debut and bravely opted for short-sleeve goalkeeper shirt. He kicked a couple of hospital passes Targett's way 10 minutes in but looked the coolest guy in Villa Park. Had no chance with Deeney's close-range opener. Made a hash of a Deulofeu volley but saved brilliantly to deny Deeney's second. He's a cool cookie in possession, never fazed amid opposition pressure. Has great distribution. Smacked clear a dangerous free-kick late on.
Ezri Konsa, 7
Looked nervy throughout the opening half, reaffirmed when he misplaced what was a standard ball to control which allowed Watford in for another breakaway. Improved in the second 45 and thought he won it with a brilliant drive towards goal - only for the ball to nip off Mings. A super effort by the centre-back who really enjoyed the scenes at full time.
Tyrone Mings, 8
The vocal leader of the back three, tries to keep Konsa and Hause in check either side of him. Took a powerful Pereyra drive to the back of the head, knocking him to the turf like many of boxer Deontay Wilder's opponents. A lot of Villa's play started through Mings, and it was the colossal centre-back who drove forward, teeing up Konsa before the ball nicked off Mings for a dramatic late winner. My star man, an absolute steam train. Booked.
Kortney Hause, 6.5
Awarded with an almighty 'Well innn' after crunching Capoue, but was groaned at for not looking forward enough when in possession. Was statue-like after Deulofeu knocked it around him to assist Deeney. Was kept less busier as Watford sat back. Smelt the danger to dispossess Gray with five to go and won some crucial challenges late on.
Frederic Guilbert, 6
Suffered with toothache all week after posing for an online snap with a badly-swollen cheek - and took one to the face early doors. Always an out-ball for the midfield on the right flank but had to be alert to keep a watchful eye on the ever-lively Deulofeu.
Danny Drinkwater, 5
First time he's started three games on the bounce since he was at Leicester in May 2017. Started positively once again, looking to get on the ball but the game ran away from him. Showcased a couple of swish cross-field passes and looked to drive forward but lacked that crispness on the ball you have when you're playing week in, week out. Walked off frustrated after being subbed 10 minutes after the break. Cup-tied for Leicester next week.
Marvelous Nakamba, 7
Much better from the Zimbabwean who looked a little like his old self again. Has definitely been rocked by some sort of confidence setback. Up against the likes of Capoue and Doucoure so never easy but he did his all to attempt to keep Villa ticking. Kept plugging away. Rallied until the very end and his efforts were rewarded.
Matt Targett, 7
Arguably Villa's most potent threat down the left. Continued to work with Grealish with the pair having a sound understanding together. It was Targett's drive which was all too hot to handle for Foster, allowing Douglas to crash home a vital equaliser. A solid enough showing from Villa's wing-back. Does, though, lack composure when in advanced areas.
Trezeguet, 6
It's becoming the same old story with Trezeguet, for all of his will and work ethic, there's a clear lack of end product. He did, though, to his credit, win vital corners and throw-ins to alleviate some pressure. He's just a blunt winger at the minute.
Anwar El Ghazi, 6
Operated as Villa's unorthodox No.9 again - but struggled once more being played out of position. Didn't do anything of note, in truth. Worked hard but lacked cutting edge and conviction.
Jack Grealish, 7
The man who carries the weight of Villa on his shoulders. Continued to be a thorn in Watford's side and went right at them until the very end. Was patient to set up Targett which led to Villa's first. Absolutely loved it at the end. A fine showing again with his team-mates finally chipping in.
Subs
Douglas Luiz (replaced Drinkwater, 56), 7
Came on for Drinkwater and, just like at Brighton, made an instant impact. It was a surprise he didn't start this one after that super assist on Saturday but, at Villa Park, the confident Brazilian went one better by smacking home the equaliser just 12 minutes after coming on to send the Holte End crazy.
Indiana Vassilev (replaced Trezeguet, 74), 5.5
Didn't see much of the ball again but was the impetus needed to give Watford something to think about.


birminghammail--2020-01-21--Middlesbrough 1-1 Birmingham City match report and reaction from Championship clash

Birmingham City ’ s failure to find a second goal cost them two precious points as they were undone by Ashley Fletcher ’ s late equaliser .
Blues had taken a deserved first half lead through Lukas Jutkiewicz ’ s tenth goal of the season - and created several other openings .
But with nine minutes remaining Ashley Fletcher struck to snatch a 1-1 draw for the hosts .
Even then the game ended in controversial circumstances as Jutkiewicz had the ball in the net in the 90th minute - only for it to be ruled out so that Marcus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pep Clotet had made three changes to the team which drew with Cardiff , with David Davis , Gary Gardner and Jacques Maghoma returning .
It was a similar side to the one which won at Luton ten days earlier - and produced a very similar performance and an almost identical opening goal .
Before that though Blues had Lee Camp to thank for maintaining parity after the defence in front of him was opened up and Gardner clipped Patrick Roberts ’ ankles in the area .
Referee Andy Woolmer awarded a 22nd @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fired too close to Camp who turned it away .
Five minutes later Blues went ahead and once again it was the Jutkiewicz-Jeremie Bela combination which produced the goal .
From the right wing the winger curled a left-footed cross to the back stick where Jutkiewicz rose above Jonny Howson to head home .
It should have been 2-0 just after the half hour when Gardner surged down the right and crossed for Jutkiewicz only for Aynsley Pears to push away .
The ball went as far as Mrabti on the edge of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ touches but smacked a shot off the post .
Boro tried to up the pace in the second half and pushed Blues back .
They managed that but without creating the opening they needed and as they pressed forward it was Blues who had the better chances .
Kristian Pedersen looped a header on to the roof of the net , Gary Gardner forced a diving save from Aynsley Pears and Marc Roberts powered a header from a corner straight at the Boro ‘ keeper .
Blues paid for their profligacy in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a low centre which Fletcher prodded home .

Birmingham City’s failure to find a second goal cost them two precious points as they were undone by Ashley Fletcher’s late equaliser.
Blues had taken a deserved first half lead through Lukas Jutkiewicz’s tenth goal of the season - and created several other openings.
But with nine minutes remaining Ashley Fletcher struck to snatch a 1-1 draw for the hosts.
Even then the game ended in controversial circumstances as Jutkiewicz had the ball in the net in the 90th minute - only for it to be ruled out so that Marcus Tavernier could receive treatment.
Head coach Pep Clotet had made three changes to the team which drew with Cardiff, with David Davis, Gary Gardner and Jacques Maghoma returning.
It was a similar side to the one which won at Luton ten days earlier - and produced a very similar performance and an almost identical opening goal.
Before that though Blues had Lee Camp to thank for maintaining parity after the defence in front of him was opened up and Gardner clipped Patrick Roberts’ ankles in the area.
Referee Andy Woolmer awarded a 22nd minute penalty which Paddy McNair accepted but fired too close to Camp who turned it away.
(Image: Tim Easthope)
Five minutes later Blues went ahead and once again it was the Jutkiewicz-Jeremie Bela combination which produced the goal.
From the right wing the winger curled a left-footed cross to the back stick where Jutkiewicz rose above Jonny Howson to head home.
It should have been 2-0 just after the half hour when Gardner surged down the right and crossed for Jutkiewicz only for Aynsley Pears to push away.
The ball went as far as Mrabti on the edge of the area and the Swede took two touches but smacked a shot off the post.
Boro tried to up the pace in the second half and pushed Blues back.
They managed that but without creating the opening they needed and as they pressed forward it was Blues who had the better chances.
Kristian Pedersen looped a header on to the roof of the net, Gary Gardner forced a diving save from Aynsley Pears and Marc Roberts powered a header from a corner straight at the Boro ‘keeper.
Blues paid for their profligacy in the 81st minute when Marvin Johnson fired in a low centre which Fletcher prodded home.


birminghammail--2020-01-21--Aston Villa 2 Watford 1 - Konsa's shot flies in off Mings to secure huge Premier League win

Aston Villa came back from the brink to win a pulsating relegation six-pointer against Watford .
It was Ezri Konsa 's injury-time strike which caught a nick off fellow centre-half Tyrone Mings which won it - and the scenes at Villa Park was one of sheer jubilation at the full-time whistle .
Dean Smith 's side huffed and puffed and , eventually , the roof came off Villa Park .
They have now climbed up to 16th , two places above the relegation places ahead of a 11-day break from Premier League matters .
Villa once again proved their mettle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the canvas for the second game running following Troy Deeney 's sickening blow of an opener .
It was , though , substitute Douglas Luiz who initially rescued Villa , sending in a crashing effort with a little over 20 minutes to go to give Villa hope .
And hope was rewarded right at the death , Mings driving forward like a steam train before teeing up Konsa , the summer signing 's strike flying off Mings ' backside with the ball subsequently flying into the top left-hand corner .
The game 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minutes before half-time .
It was the clever Spaniard Gerard Deulofeu who played a neat one-two with Abdoulaye Doucoure around statue-like Kortney Hause , before the Barcelona academy graduate picked out the ready-and-waiting Watford skipper Deeney who headed home for his sixth in four appearances against Villa .
The writing was on the wall for what would have been a match-winning second for Deeney on 54 minutes .
Debutant Pepe Reina initially making a hash of a shanked Deulofeu half-volley , tipping the ball towards Deeney before the AC Milan loan ace thwarted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cleared .
Another crucial clearance was once again needed for Villa , this time it was Frederic Guilbert coming to the rescue to put in a last-ditch challenge in on the advancing Roberto Pereyra .
Noticing time for a change , Smith replaced Danny Drinkwater with Douglas Luiz - just like he did at Brighton - to attempt another comeback with Watford time-wasting with more than half an hour to go .
As the game continued , match-winner Mings was somewhat fortunate not to be given a second yellow after halting Watford 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meanwhile , fought back and it was through the brilliant Jack Grealish once more .
The skipper received the ball on the edge of Watford 's box before teasing three yellow shirts , thus allowing him to patiently play in Matt Targett .
It was Targett 's powerful shot which was too hot to handle for Ben Foster and , with Anwar El Ghazi missing , substitute Douglas Luiz was on hand to send the follow-up crashing into the back of the net in front of the Holte End with his weaker left @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they nicked it right at the death thanks to Mings who did n't know an awful lot about it .
Next up : Leicester City , Carabao Cup semi-final second-leg at Villa Park , Tuesday , January 28 , kick-off 7.45pm .

Aston Villa came back from the brink to win a pulsating relegation six-pointer against Watford.
It was Ezri Konsa's injury-time strike which caught a nick off fellow centre-half Tyrone Mings which won it - and the scenes at Villa Park was one of sheer jubilation at the full-time whistle.
Dean Smith's side huffed and puffed and, eventually, the roof came off Villa Park.
They have now climbed up to 16th, two places above the relegation places ahead of a 11-day break from Premier League matters.
Villa once again proved their mettle against the odds after battling back off the canvas for the second game running following Troy Deeney's sickening blow of an opener.
It was, though, substitute Douglas Luiz who initially rescued Villa, sending in a crashing effort with a little over 20 minutes to go to give Villa hope.
And hope was rewarded right at the death, Mings driving forward like a steam train before teeing up Konsa, the summer signing's strike flying off Mings' backside with the ball subsequently flying into the top left-hand corner.
The game's opener , meanwhile, came just seven minutes before half-time. It was the clever Spaniard Gerard Deulofeu who played a neat one-two with Abdoulaye Doucoure around statue-like Kortney Hause, before the Barcelona academy graduate picked out the ready-and-waiting Watford skipper Deeney who headed home for his sixth in four appearances against Villa.
The writing was on the wall for what would have been a match-winning second for Deeney on 54 minutes. Debutant Pepe Reina initially making a hash of a shanked Deulofeu half-volley, tipping the ball towards Deeney before the AC Milan loan ace thwarted the striker before the ball was eventually cleared.
Another crucial clearance was once again needed for Villa, this time it was Frederic Guilbert coming to the rescue to put in a last-ditch challenge in on the advancing Roberto Pereyra.
Noticing time for a change, Smith replaced Danny Drinkwater with Douglas Luiz - just like he did at Brighton - to attempt another comeback with Watford time-wasting with more than half an hour to go.
As the game continued, match-winner Mings was somewhat fortunate not to be given a second yellow after halting Watford's attack with a handball.
Villa, meanwhile, fought back and it was through the brilliant Jack Grealish once more. The skipper received the ball on the edge of Watford's box before teasing three yellow shirts, thus allowing him to patiently play in Matt Targett. It was Targett's powerful shot which was too hot to handle for Ben Foster and, with Anwar El Ghazi missing, substitute Douglas Luiz was on hand to send the follow-up crashing into the back of the net in front of the Holte End with his weaker left foot.
Villa continued to rally and they nicked it right at the death thanks to Mings who didn't know an awful lot about it.
Aston Villa, 3-4-3: Reina; Konsa, Mings, Hause; Guilbert, Drinkwater (Douglas Luiz, 56), Nakamba, Targett; Trezeguet, El Ghazi, Grealish.
Subs: Nyland, Elmohamady, Chester, Hourihane, Lansbury, Vassilev.
Watford, 4-2-3-1: Foster, Mariappa, Dawson, Cathcart, Masina; Chalobah, Capoue; Pereyra (Gray, 81), Doucoure, Deulofeu; Deeney.
Subs: Gomes, Pedro, Quina, Holebas, Kabasele, Pussetto.
Referee: Martin Atkinson
Booked: Mings (45), Cathcart (76), Doucoure (80)
Goals: Deeney (38), Douglas Luiz (68), Mings (90)
Attendance: 40,867
Next up: Leicester City, Carabao Cup semi-final second-leg at Villa Park, Tuesday, January 28, kick-off 7.45pm.


birminghammail--2020-01-21--Latest Wolves transfer rumours: Oliveira development, Podence hint dropped & midfielder offer

Wolves have completed one new signing and Nuno Espirito Santo hopes that another is on the way .
The club confirmed the arrival of 19-year-old striker Leanardo Campana from Ecuadorian club Barcelona SC on Tuesday .
With more movement expected , here 's a round-up of the latest transfer rumours and news from Molineux : Wolverhampton Wanderers have had a bid rejected for AEK Athens striker Nelson Oliveira , according to reports .
The former Norwich City , Nottingham Forest and Swansea City forward is on Wolves ’ radar this month as the club hunt for attacking reinforcements .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turned down a first approach from Wolves because it does not match their valuation .
Oliveira has a release clause of 6.5m euros ( £5.5m ) written into his contract but it is claimed the offer falls below that threshold .
The same report adds that Oliveira is very keen on a move back to England and Wolves are expected to return with an improved offer .
Wolverhampton Wanderers target Daniel Podence has been left out of Olympiakos ’ squad for their upcoming match .
Olympiakos will take on OFI Crete in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to extend their unbeaten start to the season .
Pedro Martins will be without his star attacker Podence though after the club confirmed its squad list for the match .
Podence has only featured once for Olympiakos this month amidst plenty of speculation about his future .
Reports have emerged from Greece to suggest Wolves have now agreed a deal to sign Podence , 24 , from Olympiakos .
Wolverhampton Wanderers have ‘ submitted an offer ’ to sign French midfielder Enzo Loiodice , according to reports .
The 19-year-old hasn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he ’ s made 20 Ligue 1 outings in total .
Footmercato reports Wolves are trying to seal a deal to add Loiodice to their development set-up .
BBC pundit Garth Crooks believes Raul Jimenez would be the perfect signing for Tottenham Hotspur this month - if he was four years younger .
The Wolves striker continued his stunning form with a brace in the comeback victory over Southampton on Saturday to take his tally to 19 goals this season .
Ten of those strikes have come in the Premier League to earn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ second half double at St Mary ’ s earned him a place in Crooks ’ team of the week and the former Spurs striker is a big fan .
And Crooks has been so impressed by Jimenez that he would implore Spurs boss Jose Mourinho to target the Mexican if he wasn ’ t 28 , although he concedes the striker would be worth in excess of £60m if that was the case .
Crooks said : “ The Mexico striker is in great form .
If he was four years younger he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Harry Kane 's long-term injury , but he would also be worth twice the price and not the £30m Wolves paid for him .
What a snip .
”

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Wolves have completed one new signing and Nuno Espirito Santo hopes that another is on the way.
The club confirmed the arrival of 19-year-old striker Leanardo Campana from Ecuadorian club Barcelona SC on Tuesday.
With more movement expected, here's a round-up of the latest transfer rumours and news from Molineux:
Oliveira bid 'rejected'
Wolverhampton Wanderers have had a bid rejected for AEK Athens striker Nelson Oliveira, according to reports.
The former Norwich City, Nottingham Forest and Swansea City forward is on Wolves’ radar this month as the club hunt for attacking reinforcements.
But SDNA in Greece report that AEK have turned down a first approach from Wolves because it does not match their valuation.
Oliveira has a release clause of 6.5m euros (£5.5m) written into his contract but it is claimed the offer falls below that threshold.
The same report adds that Oliveira is very keen on a move back to England and Wolves are expected to return with an improved offer.
Podence hint
Wolverhampton Wanderers target Daniel Podence has been left out of Olympiakos’ squad for their upcoming match.
Olympiakos will take on OFI Crete in the Greek Super League on Wednesday afternoon bidding to extend their unbeaten start to the season.
Pedro Martins will be without his star attacker Podence though after the club confirmed its squad list for the match. Podence has only featured once for Olympiakos this month amidst plenty of speculation about his future.
Reports have emerged from Greece to suggest Wolves have now agreed a deal to sign Podence, 24, from Olympiakos.
Loiodice 'approach'
Wolverhampton Wanderers have ‘submitted an offer’ to sign French midfielder Enzo Loiodice, according to reports.
The 19-year-old hasn’t featured much for Dijon this season and he’s made 20 Ligue 1 outings in total.
Footmercato reports Wolves are trying to seal a deal to add Loiodice to their development set-up.
Pundit's Jimenez claim
BBC pundit Garth Crooks believes Raul Jimenez would be the perfect signing for Tottenham Hotspur this month - if he was four years younger.
The Wolves striker continued his stunning form with a brace in the comeback victory over Southampton on Saturday to take his tally to 19 goals this season. Ten of those strikes have come in the Premier League to earn Wolves 13 points.
Jimenez’s second half double at St Mary’s earned him a place in Crooks’ team of the week and the former Spurs striker is a big fan.
And Crooks has been so impressed by Jimenez that he would implore Spurs boss Jose Mourinho to target the Mexican if he wasn’t 28, although he concedes the striker would be worth in excess of £60m if that was the case.
Crooks said: “The Mexico striker is in great form. If he was four years younger he would be perfect for Spurs, especially with Harry Kane's long-term injury, but he would also be worth twice the price and not the £30m Wolves paid for him. What a snip.”


birminghammail--2020-01-21--Latest Aston Villa transfer rumours: Grealish decision, Piatek update, Taremi 'bid' clarified

Aston Villa have signed a new striker - but there is still work to be done in the transfer market .
Mbwana Ally Samatta is officially a Villa player after his move from Genk was confirmed and the club are targeting another signing in attack .
There is also speculation about Jack Grealish as he draws admiring glances from the likes of Manchester United .
Here are the latest Villa transfer rumours : Jack Grealish will resist Manchester United transfer interest and remain with Aston Villa this season , according to reports .
Daily Mirror have revealed the 24-year-old Villa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on hold until the summer .
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has expressed his admiration for Grealish and has been extensively linked with a move for him , in order to add some creativity to his midfield .
Aston Villa are yet to make an offer for Rio Ave striker Mehdi Taremi , according to reports in Portugal .
The 27-year-old is said to have emerged as a transfer target for Villa , who are targeting further reinforcements in attack this month after completing the signing of forward Mbwana Ally Samatta from Genk .
Taremi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Record ( via Sport Witness ) reports that his club Rio Ave are clear they have n't received any bids yet .
But the same report does add that Rio Ave , who are seventh in the Primeira Liga , are well aware that interest is circling with clubs in Germany and France also thought to be keen as well as Villa .
Manchester United could turn to reported Aston Villa target Krzysztof Piatek to solve their striker crisis , according to reports .
Marcus Rashford faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' that will see him miss up to three months with a fractured back .
According to The Mirror , United could look at recruiting a short term option , whilst they wait for their number one target Moussa Dembele in the summer .
Piatek , who has been extensively linked with a move to Villa and Spurs , fits the bill for United with a €30m price tag on his head .
Roma are willing to allow Aston Villa target Steven Nzonzi to leave on loan , but they face competition from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ former Stoke City and Blackburn midfielder has spent the first half of the season on loan with Galatasaray but has fallen out with coaches at the Turkish giants .
He is therefore expected to return to Roma , who will sanction another temporary move for the 31-year-old .
Easah Suliman ’ s time at Aston Villa has come to end with the defender having agreed a deal to sign for Portuguese top-flight side Vitoria Guimaraes .
BirminghamLive understands the 21-year-old has agreed a four-and-a-half-year contract with the Primeira Liga club .
Suliman passed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ move is expected to be formally confirmed soon for an undisclosed fee .
The centre-back progressed through the academy system at Villa but hasn ’ t managed to break into the first-team .

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Aston Villa have signed a new striker - but there is still work to be done in the transfer market.
Mbwana Ally Samatta is officially a Villa player after his move from Genk was confirmed and the club are targeting another signing in attack.
There is also speculation about Jack Grealish as he draws admiring glances from the likes of Manchester United.
Here are the latest Villa transfer rumours:
Grealish decides to stay
Jack Grealish will resist Manchester United transfer interest and remain with Aston Villa this season, according to reports.
Daily Mirror have revealed the 24-year-old Villa skipper will put talks about his future on hold until the summer.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has expressed his admiration for Grealish and has been extensively linked with a move for him, in order to add some creativity to his midfield.
No bid for Taremi
Aston Villa are yet to make an offer for Rio Ave striker Mehdi Taremi, according to reports in Portugal.
The 27-year-old is said to have emerged as a transfer target for Villa, who are targeting further reinforcements in attack this month after completing the signing of forward Mbwana Ally Samatta from Genk.
Taremi was linked this week but Portuguese outlet Record (via Sport Witness) reports that his club Rio Ave are clear they haven't received any bids yet.
But the same report does add that Rio Ave, who are seventh in the Primeira Liga, are well aware that interest is circling with clubs in Germany and France also thought to be keen as well as Villa.
Man Utd enter Piatek race
Manchester United could turn to reported Aston Villa target Krzysztof Piatek to solve their striker crisis, according to reports.
Marcus Rashford faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after Ole Gunnar Solskajer admitted the 'mistake' that will see him miss up to three months with a fractured back.
According to The Mirror, United could look at recruiting a short term option, whilst they wait for their number one target Moussa Dembele in the summer.
Piatek, who has been extensively linked with a move to Villa and Spurs, fits the bill for United with a €30m price tag on his head.
West Ham want Nzonzi
Roma are willing to allow Aston Villa target Steven Nzonzi to leave on loan, but they face competition from Premier League rivals West Ham.
The former Stoke City and Blackburn midfielder has spent the first half of the season on loan with Galatasaray but has fallen out with coaches at the Turkish giants.
He is therefore expected to return to Roma, who will sanction another temporary move for the 31-year-old.
Suliman completes move away
Easah Suliman’s time at Aston Villa has come to end with the defender having agreed a deal to sign for Portuguese top-flight side Vitoria Guimaraes.
BirminghamLive understands the 21-year-old has agreed a four-and-a-half-year contract with the Primeira Liga club.
Suliman passed his medical on Tuesday morning and the move is expected to be formally confirmed soon for an undisclosed fee.
The centre-back progressed through the academy system at Villa but hasn’t managed to break into the first-team.


birminghammail--2020-01-21--Latest West Brom transfer rumours - Leeds United linked with shock move & Rangers defender wanted

West Bromwich Albion are looking to strengthen their ranks this month as they look to get their Premier League promotion campaign back on track .
Last night 's 1-0 defeat to Stoke City at The Hawthorns , their fifth-straight Championship match without a win , leaves them just five points clear of Fulham in third place .
Baggies boss Slaven Bilic knows how important getting fresh faces through the door to bolster his ranks but keeping hold of players such as Grady Diangana and Matheus Pereira .
Diangana suffered another injury last night , but the early signs are that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the West Midlands - for now at least .
For the full story on Diangana , David Moyes ' plans and much more here 's tonight 's Baggies transfer rumour round-up ... Moyes has confirmed that he intends to leave Diangana at West Brom for the remainder of the season , after the winger sustained an injury on Monday night .
West Ham boss Moyes has until the 27th of January to decide whether he wanted to recall Diangana or not after a string of impressive displays for Albion so far this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ six assists .
Albion were considering something of a sweetener in terms of an extra sum towards the loan fee to persuade the Irons to let him remain at The Hawthorns , but Diangana ’ s suspected hamstring injury means he will now more than likely remain at The Hawthorns until the season ’ s end .
Diangana himself has enjoyed his spell under Slaven Bilic this term and was understood to be eager on staying in order to help Albion in their quest for promotion .
Baggies midfielder Rekeem Harper has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a potential loan spell .
It ’ s understandable , of course , that Albion might seek to find a taker - preferably at Championship level - so that the teenager might get some regular game-time in the way that teammates Sam Field and Jonathan Leko have done at Charlton Athletic this term .
It ’ s bizarre , however , that Leeds United have been credited with an interest in taking Harper on a loan basis until the end of the season .
The Sun this week claim that the Whites are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ availability , while Fulham , Charlton and Queens Park Rangers have also been linked .
West Brom `` are setting their sights '' on Rangers defender Connor Goldson .
The Baggies are said to be ready to battle Championship rivals Leeds United and Fulham for the 27-year-old centre-back , who is a key player for the Scottish giants under Steven Gerrard .
`` West Brom are ready to join the English big guns keen on signing Rangers defender Connor Goldson , '' say Football Insider .
`` The Championship promotion favourites are setting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as a target for this month or , more realistically , in the summer . ''
Even Manchester United , one of the biggest clubs in world football , struggle to conduct significant transfer business in the January window , Slaven Bilic reckons - but he reiterated after Monday night ’ s defeat to Stoke that additions would be helpful to West Brom ’ s promotion cause .
Albion lost to a single goal from the Potters ’ Tyrese Campbell - son of former Albion forward Kevin - to make it no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Diangana to another injury within the opening two minutes of the match .
Bilic wants two additions , regardless of who might remain in or leave Albion ’ s current group , in order to revive their early season form which left the Championship breathless .
January is notoriously difficult to get any significant deals , done , and Bilic acknowledges that .

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West Bromwich Albion are looking to strengthen their ranks this month as they look to get their Premier League promotion campaign back on track.
Last night's 1-0 defeat to Stoke City at The Hawthorns , their fifth-straight Championship match without a win, leaves them just five points clear of Fulham in third place.
Baggies boss Slaven Bilic knows how important getting fresh faces through the door to bolster his ranks but keeping hold of players such as Grady Diangana and Matheus Pereira.
Diangana suffered another injury last night, but the early signs are that West Ham United will leave the playmaker in the West Midlands - for now at least.
For the full story on Diangana, David Moyes' plans and much more here's tonight's Baggies transfer rumour round-up...
Grady Diangana
Moyes has confirmed that he intends to leave Diangana at West Brom for the remainder of the season, after the winger sustained an injury on Monday night.
West Ham boss Moyes has until the 27th of January to decide whether he wanted to recall Diangana or not after a string of impressive displays for Albion so far this term, which includes five goals and six assists.
Albion were considering something of a sweetener in terms of an extra sum towards the loan fee to persuade the Irons to let him remain at The Hawthorns, but Diangana’s suspected hamstring injury means he will now more than likely remain at The Hawthorns until the season’s end.
Diangana himself has enjoyed his spell under Slaven Bilic this term and was understood to be eager on staying in order to help Albion in their quest for promotion.
Read the full piece HERE .
Rekeem Harper
Baggies midfielder Rekeem Harper has been the subject of speculation this month regarding a potential loan spell.
It’s understandable, of course, that Albion might seek to find a taker - preferably at Championship level - so that the teenager might get some regular game-time in the way that teammates Sam Field and Jonathan Leko have done at Charlton Athletic this term.
It’s bizarre, however, that Leeds United have been credited with an interest in taking Harper on a loan basis until the end of the season.
The Sun this week claim that the Whites are considering contacting the Baggies over his potential availability, while Fulham, Charlton and Queens Park Rangers have also been linked.
More HERE .
Connor Goldson
West Brom "are setting their sights" on Rangers defender Connor Goldson.
The Baggies are said to be ready to battle Championship rivals Leeds United and Fulham for the 27-year-old centre-back, who is a key player for the Scottish giants under Steven Gerrard.
"West Brom are ready to join the English big guns keen on signing Rangers defender Connor Goldson," say Football Insider.
"The Championship promotion favourites are setting their sights on the centre-back, 27, as a target for this month or, more realistically, in the summer."
Full piece HERE .
Slaven Bilic
Even Manchester United, one of the biggest clubs in world football, struggle to conduct significant transfer business in the January window, Slaven Bilic reckons - but he reiterated after Monday night’s defeat to Stoke that additions would be helpful to West Brom’s promotion cause.
Albion lost to a single goal from the Potters’ Tyrese Campbell - son of former Albion forward Kevin - to make it no wins in six, while losing Grady Diangana to another injury within the opening two minutes of the match.
Bilic wants two additions, regardless of who might remain in or leave Albion’s current group, in order to revive their early season form which left the Championship breathless.
January is notoriously difficult to get any significant deals, done, and Bilic acknowledges that.
More HERE .


birminghammail--2020-01-21--Latest Birmingham City transfer rumours: Bellingham to Man Utd, Gavranovic update, Gregory loan

Birmingham City want to bring in extra firepower - and Pep Clotet knows full well how much it is neeed .
`` I think it ’ s very important we finish this January window with a stronger team than we started - that ’ s very important , '' said Clotet after the 1-1 draw with Cardiff City at the weekend .
`` We can not get weaker after the transfer window - that ’ s something we need to keep in mind and I know the club is working hard trying to bring the right player in . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ future of 16-year-old Jude Bellingham after his incredible breakthrough into the first-team .
Here are the latest transfer rumours : It has been widely reported that the Red Devils hold an interest in Blues ’ 16-year-old starlet , and now fresh claims say that an offer has been made .
The Sun report that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer ’ s side have made a bid in excess of £30m to prise Bellingham away from St Andrew ’ s and lure him to Old Trafford this month .
Liverpool , Manchester City , Arsenal , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been credited with an interest in the highly-rated midfielder .
Mario Gavranovic has turned down a move to Birmingham City , according to reports .
According to Croatian media outlet Sportske Jutarnji , the striker is n't keen on making a loan move to St Andrew 's and would prefer a permanent deal .
It was reported yesterday that the Switzerland international was mulling over an offer to the Championship , with the 30-year-old looking to secure a move that would guarantee first-team football ahead of this summer 's European Championships .
Gavranovic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ starts for current side Dinamo Zagreb this season , is a Switzerland international with Vladimir Petkovic 's side qualifying for this summer 's tournament .
Birmingham City have been linked with Stoke City striker Lee Gregory .
The Daily Mail claims Blues are one of a host of Championship teams interested in the 31-year-old who has struggled to find the net since his summer move to the Potteries .
They claim Blues , Wigan and Middlesbrough are looking at a striker who could be allowed to leave on loan at some point this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 the latest news as it happens For all your latest Blues news , opinion , analysis and transfer gossip , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brian Dick on Twitter , and his email address is Brian.Dick @ reachplc.com The goalkeeper did not appear in a league game for Crawley Town , but did appear four times in the Carabao Cup .
This lack of game time and match minutes is the reason behind Birmingham City 's decision .
A statement from Crawley reads as follows : `` Michael has been recalled in order to obtain more game time this season .
`` We thank Michael for his historic performances in a Reds shirt , most notably against Walsall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Carabao Cup .
`` Crawley Town wish Michael all the very best in his future career . ''

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Birmingham City want to bring in extra firepower - and Pep Clotet knows full well how much it is neeed.
"I think it’s very important we finish this January window with a stronger team than we started - that’s very important," said Clotet after the 1-1 draw with Cardiff City at the weekend.
"We cannot get weaker after the transfer window - that’s something we need to keep in mind and I know the club is working hard trying to bring the right player in."
There is also intense speculation over the future of 16-year-old Jude Bellingham after his incredible breakthrough into the first-team.
Here are the latest transfer rumours:
Man Utd 'ready to pay £30m' for Bellingham
Manchester United have reportedly tabled a bid for Birmingham City prodigy Jude Bellingham.
It has been widely reported that the Red Devils hold an interest in Blues’ 16-year-old starlet , and now fresh claims say that an offer has been made.
The Sun report that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side have made a bid in excess of £30m to prise Bellingham away from St Andrew’s and lure him to Old Trafford this month.
Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund have also been credited with an interest in the highly-rated midfielder.
Gavranovic 'turns down' move
Mario Gavranovic has turned down a move to Birmingham City, according to reports.
According to Croatian media outlet Sportske Jutarnji , the striker isn't keen on making a loan move to St Andrew's and would prefer a permanent deal.
It was reported yesterday that the Switzerland international was mulling over an offer to the Championship , with the 30-year-old looking to secure a move that would guarantee first-team football ahead of this summer's European Championships.
Gavranovic, who has made only eight League starts for current side Dinamo Zagreb this season, is a Switzerland international with Vladimir Petkovic's side qualifying for this summer's tournament.
Gregory linked
Birmingham City have been linked with Stoke City striker Lee Gregory.
The Daily Mail claims Blues are one of a host of Championship teams interested in the 31-year-old who has struggled to find the net since his summer move to the Potteries.
They claim Blues , Wigan and Middlesbrough are looking at a striker who could be allowed to leave on loan at some point this month.
Luyambula recalled
Birmingham City have recalled young goalkeeper Michael Luyambula from Crawley Town.
The goalkeeper did not appear in a league game for Crawley Town, but did appear four times in the Carabao Cup.
This lack of game time and match minutes is the reason behind Birmingham City's decision.
A statement from Crawley reads as follows: "Michael has been recalled in order to obtain more game time this season.
"We thank Michael for his historic performances in a Reds shirt, most notably against Walsall, Norwich City and Stoke City in the Carabao Cup.
"Crawley Town wish Michael all the very best in his future career."


birminghammail--2020-01-21--Euromillions results: Winning National Lottery numbers for Tuesday January 21

Millionaire Maker Selection : One UK millionaires has been created - HKCL40803 The jackpot can rise to €190million ( approximately £167million ) .
Tonight 's jackpot must be won and the whole prize will be given away - but what happens if no one has the winning numbers ?
Well as it would be the fifth successive draw that was n't snapped up it ca n't be rolled over again - so the entire prize will then be split between the winners in the next tier .
That means winners in the next tier will be getting more money for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
If it reaches this level , it will be capped - if the jackpot is not won , any additional money in the jackpot prize fund over and above €190 million will roll down to boost the prize money at the next highest tier where there are winners ( most likely the 5+1 tier ) .
This can happen four times before the €190 million must be won .
If this happens and the jackpot is still not won , the entire €190 million - plus any additional money in the jackpot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - would roll down to the next highest tier where there are winners ( most likely the 5+1 tier ) .

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Tonight's National Lottery EuroMillions winning numbers are: 36, 10, 24, 11, 46
Lucky Stars are: 03, 05
Tonight's estimated jackpot is £14 million.
Millionaire Maker Selection: One UK millionaires has been created - HKCL40803
Tonight's National Lottery Thunderball winning numbers are: 05, 08, 09, 15, 35
The Thunderball is 14.
The jackpot can rise to €190million (approximately £167million).
Tonight's jackpot must be won and the whole prize will be given away - but what happens if no one has the winning numbers?
Well as it would be the fifth successive draw that wasn't snapped up it can't be rolled over again - so the entire prize will then be split between the winners in the next tier.
That means winners in the next tier will be getting more money for less numbers, making lots more multi-millionaires.
If it reaches this level, it will be capped - if the jackpot is not won, any additional money in the jackpot prize fund over and above €190 million will roll down to boost the prize money at the next highest tier where there are winners (most likely the 5+1 tier).
This can happen four times before the €190 million must be won.
If this happens and the jackpot is still not won, the entire €190 million - plus any additional money in the jackpot prize fund over and above this amount - would roll down to the next highest tier where there are winners (most likely the 5+1 tier).


birminghammail--2020-01-21--Aston Villa transfer news LIVE: Move completed, Piatek and Taremi latest and Grealish response

Welcome to Tuesday 's LIVE Aston Villa coverage , brought to you by BirminghamLive .
Villa are back in Premier @ @ @ @ @ face another relegation rival in Watford .
The game comes off the back of Saturday @ @ @ @ @ when skipper Jack Grealish once again earned them valuable points .
We 'll have all @ @ @ @ @ , plus all the latest transfer news .
Mbwana Samatta became Dean Smith 's third @ @ @ @ @ with the Tanzanian striker signing for £8.5m .
He follows Pepe Reina and Danny Drinkwater @ @ @ @ @ his squad for the battle against the drop .
Rumours are rife that the Villa @ @ @ @ @ market for more players , with Samatta not eligible to start against the Hornets tonight @ @ @ @ @ below ...

18:34
Explained: Borja Baston
The Spaniard, 27, will arrive on a short-term deal on a free transfer. Swansea are more than happy to let him go given his contract is set to expire this summer. Here, Swansea City reporter for Wales Online, Ian Mitchelmore, provides the following lowdown, with Villa just taking up the striker’s wages.
It’s worth noting that Baston has the same agent as Pepe Reina while the forward knows Villa’s sporting director Suso from his time in Spain.
(Image: Getty Images)
How has this deal suddenly come about, is Baston out-of-favour at Swans - why?
Borja started the season like a house on fire, scoring five goals in August. But his style has never suited Swansea, and once he struggled again, he lost his place to Sam Surridge, and more recently Rhian Brewster. His sky-high wages are also a huge problem for Swansea, so from a financial point of view, offloading him will be a huge help to the club.
What’s been Baston’s story at Swansea, a big-money signing in 2016... not happened?
He came into a Swansea side that had abandoned their famed style of play and managed just one goal in his debut season at the club, despite being the club-record signing. He had two season-long loans in Spain before returning to the club last summer, but it’s safe to say he’s - pound for pound - one of the worst signings in the club’s history.
What are his strengths/weaknesses?
He’s a pretty good finisher, as he showed in August. His clinical nature was vital as Swansea collected a significant number of points, despite not playing to their full potential. As for weaknesses, he’s not the quickest, so running in behind isn’t an option. He’s not the most mobile either, so he’s not someone you’ll see pressing from the front.
Just how surprised are Swansea given Premier League interest? Can he cut it?
It’s come as a huge surprise. The club have been willing to sell him for some time now in a bid to reduce the wage bill, but after such a woeful scoring record since joining the club, for a Premier League club to come knocking is quite simply astonishing. Can he cut it? He hasn’t at Swansea, but you don’t play for the likes of Atletico Madrid without having something about you.


birminghammail--2020-01-21--'That's for sure' - Manchester United fans react to Jack Grealish transfer decision

Manchester United fans have been having their say after it was reported that Jack Grealish is ready to resist any transfer interest from Old Trafford this month .
Grealish , who has shone for Aston Villa in the Premier League this season , is thought to be on United ’ s radar as they look to strengthen Ole Gunnar Solskjaer ’ s squad .
Solskjaer was even asked about his stance on potential move for Grealish after the midfielder scored a stunning goal in the 2-2 draw between the sides at the start of December .
He stopped short of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , saying : “ I can ’ t talk too much about other teams ’ players if they are Man United calibre or targets .
“ But fantastic goal .
I think he ’ s hit one of those corners that I ’ ve hit a couple of times .
“ It was a great finish but then again we should defend better and show him down the left .
But what a goal and he played a good game , definitely.
” Since then there has been intense speculation about a United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he will turn down any advances this month to stay at Villa .
He penned a contract in 2018 tying him to the club until 2023 and will wait until the summer to hold talks about his future .
Here 's what United fans are saying : @ JoecleanMUFC : He ’ s not that good but I respect him for that .
@ StephenKirwan75 : I 'm looking forward to see how Jack Grealish does tonight .
He 's carrying that team , that 's for sure .
I can see him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right character we need .

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Manchester United fans have been having their say after it was reported that Jack Grealish is ready to resist any transfer interest from Old Trafford this month.
Grealish, who has shone for Aston Villa in the Premier League this season, is thought to be on United’s radar as they look to strengthen Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s squad.
Solskjaer was even asked about his stance on potential move for Grealish after the midfielder scored a stunning goal in the 2-2 draw between the sides at the start of December.
(Image: Getty Images)
He stopped short of confirming any interest but praised the 24-year-old, saying: “I can’t talk too much about other teams’ players if they are Man United calibre or targets.
“But fantastic goal. I think he’s hit one of those corners that I’ve hit a couple of times.
“It was a great finish but then again we should defend better and show him down the left. But what a goal and he played a good game, definitely.”
Since then there has been intense speculation about a United swoop for Grealish but the Mirror reports he will turn down any advances this month to stay at Villa.
He penned a contract in 2018 tying him to the club until 2023 and will wait until the summer to hold talks about his future.
Here's what United fans are saying:
@JoecleanMUFC: He’s not that good but I respect him for that.
@SankaSaint: Told ya.
@GoalkingCole9: Respectful, but disappointed.
@StephenKirwan75: I'm looking forward to see how Jack Grealish does tonight. He's carrying that team, that's for sure. I can see him at Utd, he's got the right character we need.
@JosephJanerique: Jack Grealish to Manchester United next summer.


birminghammail--2020-01-21--Fire crews dash to living room blaze in block of flats in Moseley

Fire crews were called to a blaze in a living room in a block of flats in Moseley .
A member of the public dialled 999 just before 4.45pm this afternoon ( January 21 ) after the fire broke out in a flat on the corner of Park Hill and Alcester Road , near to the Texaco garage .
The block was three storeys high and the blaze happened on the second floor of the building .
It is thought that everyone was out of the flats by the time firefighters arrived .
Neighbour Dane Barthlomew filmed fire crews arriving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ once everything was safe .
He said : `` The fire took place in a block of flats on Alcester Road , by the Texaco petrol garage .
Two fire engines , all cordoned off .
`` They were around 10 to 15 firefighters and the fire engine left the scene just before 7.30pm . ''
A spokeswoman for West Midlands Fire Service said : `` We were called just before 4.45pm this afternoon by a member of the public who said there was a fire in one of the flats .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The occupier was in attendance but was n't injured and did n't require hospital treatment .
`` The fire was in the living room of a flat on the second floor of the three storey building .
`` The fire crews ventilated the flat and contacted social housing to try to arrange alternative accommodation as it was n't possible for the occupier to stay at the flat . ''

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Fire crews were called to a blaze in a living room in a block of flats in Moseley .
A member of the public dialled 999 just before 4.45pm this afternoon (January 21) after the fire broke out in a flat on the corner of Park Hill and Alcester Road, near to the Texaco garage.
The block was three storeys high and the blaze happened on the second floor of the building.
(Image: Dane Bartholomew)
It is thought that everyone was out of the flats by the time firefighters arrived.
Neighbour Dane Barthlomew filmed fire crews arriving, cordoning off the scene and leaving once everything was safe.
He said: "The fire took place in a block of flats on Alcester Road, by the Texaco petrol garage. Two fire engines, all cordoned off.
"They were around 10 to 15 firefighters and the fire engine left the scene just before 7.30pm."
A spokeswoman for West Midlands Fire Service said: "We were called just before 4.45pm this afternoon by a member of the public who said there was a fire in one of the flats.
"We sent two crews to the scene. The occupier was in attendance but wasn't injured and didn't require hospital treatment.
"The fire was in the living room of a flat on the second floor of the three storey building.
"The fire crews ventilated the flat and contacted social housing to try to arrange alternative accommodation as it wasn't possible for the occupier to stay at the flat."


birminghammail--2020-01-21--Gemma Atkinson fuming at daughter's first word - and you can guess what it was

The hard job of being a mum never seems to end - you grow them , you give birth to them , you feed them , your body changes forever - and what do you get in return ?
`` Dadadada '' It 's relatively common for a baby 's first word to be a variation of `` dad '' because it 's a pretty easy word to say when you 've never spoken before , but it does n't make it any easier for mums who desperately want to be the first word .
Gemma Atkinson is going through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and shared a jokey rant with her Instagram followers about it .
The 35-year-old , who welcomed baby Mia with Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer Gorka Marquez in July last year , shared a hilarious video as she explained to her fans why she was rattled by her first word .
She said : `` I carried her , I had a kidney infection with her around seven months , and was taken to A & E .
`` I had an achey back , swollen feet , quite a traumatic birth , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ morning the first thing she starts saying ...
.
'dadadada . '
'' The camera then panned to a smug-looking Gorka who raised his arms in the air in triumph .
`` Now I know 'dadada ' is easier than 'mamama ' but come on Mia ! ''
she said .
The mum-of-one has talked openly about her experience of motherhood in the past and her traumatic birth .
The former Emmerdale and Hollyoaks actress previously spoke out about her dramatic labour which saw Mia 's heart rate dropping after every contraction .
Mia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the birth , the Bury actress began to hemorrhage .
She said : `` I was numb from the epidural , I was n't aware of the bleeding , I could n't feel anything , It was like someone flicked a light switch .
I said to Gorka , ' I feel shocking ! '
'' As Gemma became quite sick , it was Gorka who witnessed his girlfriend and the new mum in a horrifying state .
`` I see Gemma was feeling very poorly , the bed was completely red , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a corner , so I [ could ] see everything . ''
The pair did see the lighter side of the terrifying situation though and had a giggle when Gorka said that he too thought he might need a bit of medical attention .
Gemma added : `` One [ doctor ] was massaging my stomach and he [ Gorka ] was on a chair with his head between his legs ! ''

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The hard job of being a mum never seems to end - you grow them, you give birth to them, you feed them, your body changes forever - and what do you get in return? "Dadadada"
It's relatively common for a baby's first word to be a variation of "dad" because it's a pretty easy word to say when you've never spoken before, but it doesn't make it any easier for mums who desperately want to be the first word.
Gemma Atkinson is going through this stage of her baby growing up and shared a jokey rant with her Instagram followers about it.
The 35-year-old, who welcomed baby Mia with Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer Gorka Marquez in July last year, shared a hilarious video as she explained to her fans why she was rattled by her first word.
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She said: "I carried her, I had a kidney infection with her around seven months, and was taken to A&E.
"I had an achey back, swollen feet, quite a traumatic birth, followed by a hemorrhage.
"This morning the first thing she starts saying....'dadadada.'"
The camera then panned to a smug-looking Gorka who raised his arms in the air in triumph.
"Now I know 'dadada' is easier than 'mamama' but come on Mia!" she said.
The mum-of-one has talked openly about her experience of motherhood in the past and her traumatic birth.
The former Emmerdale and Hollyoaks actress previously spoke out about her dramatic labour which saw Mia's heart rate dropping after every contraction.
Mia was then safely delivered but hours after the birth, the Bury actress began to hemorrhage .
She said: "I was numb from the epidural, I wasn't aware of the bleeding, I couldn't feel anything, It was like someone flicked a light switch. I said to Gorka, 'I feel shocking!'"
(Image: Ian West/PA Wire)
As Gemma became quite sick, it was Gorka who witnessed his girlfriend and the new mum in a horrifying state.
"I see Gemma was feeling very poorly, the bed was completely red, 10/15 doctors rushed in they pushed me in a corner, so I [could] see everything."
The pair did see the lighter side of the terrifying situation though and had a giggle when Gorka said that he too thought he might need a bit of medical attention.
Gemma added: "One [doctor] was massaging my stomach and he [Gorka] was on a chair with his head between his legs!"


birminghammail--2020-01-21--Lethal 9mm pistol and ammunition found in suspected drug dealer's bedroom in Newtown

Police recovered a lethal Sig 9mm pistol together with 13 live rounds of ammunition from a suspected drug dealer ’ s bedroom .
The discovery was made after patrol officers stopped a Ford Fiesta in Bridge Street , Newtown , at 7.15pm on Monday ( January 20 ) .
A large quantity of suspected Class A drugs and cash were found inside the car and the driver was arrested .
A later search of his Newtown home revealed the handgun hidden among items of clothing in a wardrobe .
The man has been arrested on suspicion of possessing an illegal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Birmingham Organised Crime Unit targets offenders linked to gangs in the city and says that the removal this gun has 'potentially saved lives . '
A West Midland Police spokesman said : `` We recovered this gun from a suspected drug dealer ’ s bedroom after patrol officers stopped his car in Birmingham .
`` It ’ s a lethal Sig 9mm pistol and was found alongside 13 live rounds of ammunition .
`` This is the latest success for the Birmingham Organised Crime Unit which targets offenders linked to gangs in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Between May and November last year the unit made 161 arrests – including 34 men aligned to ‘ mapped ’ Organised Crime Groups – and seized a stash of guns , imitation firearms , knives and other weapons .
`` And taking this latest lethal gun off the streets has potentially saved lives . ''
These are the most wanted of 2020 : Also in the news today Police were searching for a weapon after a teenager was stabbed during a suspected phone robbery .
The attack took place at around 2.30pm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ green space between Windward Way and Chester Road in Chelmsley Wood An 18-year-old suffered 'serious injuries ' after being stabbed and was taken to hospital .
Police have arrested a 16-year-old and an 18-year-old in connection with the attack .
This follows the stabbing of a 15-year-old schoolboy yesterday ( January 20 ) in Stratford Road , Sparkbrook .
Police are using Section 60 stop and search powers in Sparkbrook tonight and right up until 2am tomorrow morning in a bid to trace the attacker .

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Police recovered a lethal Sig 9mm pistol together with 13 live rounds of ammunition from a suspected drug dealer’s bedroom.
The discovery was made after patrol officers stopped a Ford Fiesta in Bridge Street, Newtown , at 7.15pm on Monday (January 20).
A large quantity of suspected Class A drugs and cash were found inside the car and the driver was arrested.
A later search of his Newtown home revealed the handgun hidden among items of clothing in a wardrobe.
The man has been arrested on suspicion of possessing an illegal handgun and drugs with intent to supply.
Birmingham Organised Crime Unit targets offenders linked to gangs in the city and says that the removal this gun has 'potentially saved lives.'
A West Midland Police spokesman said: "We recovered this gun from a suspected drug dealer’s bedroom after patrol officers stopped his car in Birmingham.
"It’s a lethal Sig 9mm pistol and was found alongside 13 live rounds of ammunition.
"This is the latest success for the Birmingham Organised Crime Unit which targets offenders linked to gangs in the city."
He added: "Between May and November last year the unit made 161 arrests – including 34 men aligned to ‘mapped’ Organised Crime Groups – and seized a stash of guns, imitation firearms, knives and other weapons.
"And taking this latest lethal gun off the streets has potentially saved lives."
These are the most wanted of 2020:
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Also in the news today
Police were searching for a weapon after a teenager was stabbed during a suspected phone robbery .
The attack took place at around 2.30pm today (January 21) in the green space between Windward Way and Chester Road in Chelmsley Wood
An 18-year-old suffered 'serious injuries' after being stabbed and was taken to hospital.
Police have arrested a 16-year-old and an 18-year-old in connection with the attack.
This follows the stabbing of a 15-year-old schoolboy yesterday (January 20) in Stratford Road, Sparkbrook.
Police are using Section 60 stop and search powers in Sparkbrook tonight and right up until 2am tomorrow morning in a bid to trace the attacker.


birminghammail--2020-01-21--Greta Thunberg's brilliant response to Donald Trump apocalypse jibe

Greta Thunberg has wasted little time to push back against US president Donald Trump 's description of climate campaigners as `` the perennial prophets of doom '' who predict the `` apocalypse '' .
Although Mr Trump did not mention her directly in his speech at the World Economic Forum ( WEF ) in the Swiss Alpine resort of Davos , it was clear he had his sights on the 17-year-old , who shot to fame a year ago by staging a regular strike at her school and sparked a global environmental movement .
She then beat the US president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 2019 Person of the Year .
`` The facts are clear , but they are still too uncomfortable for you to address , '' she told business and political leaders in Davos just after Mr Trump 's speech , also without directly mentioning the president .
`` You just leave it because you think it 's too depressing and people will give up , but people will not give up .
You are the ones who are giving up . ''
The teenager brushed aside Mr Trump 's announcement that the US @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to plant one trillion trees across the globe to help capture carbon dioxide from the Earth 's atmosphere .
`` Planting trees is good of course but it 's nowhere near enough , '' she said .
`` It can not replace mitigation , '' she added , referring to efforts to drastically cut emissions in the near term .
Greta accused leaders of `` cheating and fiddling around with numbers '' with talk of cutting emissions to 'net zero ' - that is , emitting no more carbon than is absorbed by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2050 .
She and Trump have been sparring for months , but Greta did not seek to upstage the US leader by walking out of his speech , which was largely focused on trade and economics instead of the climate issues that the WEF has made a focus of at its meeting this year .
Last month , Mr Trump told the teenager in a tweet to `` chill '' and to `` work on her Anger Management problem '' .
It prompted a dry and humorous response from the 17-year-old , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` A teenager working on her anger management problem .
Currently chilling and watching a good old-fashioned movie with a friend . ''
Greta is not the only young activist to highlight the climate emergency , and was joined on a keynote panel by three others , all of whom said politicians and executives are not doing enough .
A survey of chief executives released this week by financial firm PwC showed that executives rank climate issues as only the 11th most serious risk to their businesses ' growth .
Natasha Wang @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaigns for girls ' and women 's rights , said `` the older generation has a lot of experience , but we have ideas , we have energy , and we have solutions '' .
And Salvador Gomez-Colon , who raised funds and awareness after Hurricane Maria devastated his native Puerto Rico in 2017 , said young activists are doing more than just talking .
`` We 're not waiting five , 10 , 20 years to take the action we want to see .
We 're not the future of the world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're acting now .
We 're not waiting any longer . ''
Greta cited a report released in 2018 by the UN 's science panel that calculated the amount of additional carbon dioxide the atmosphere can absorb before global average temperature increases exceed 1.5C ( 2.7F ) .
Leaders agreed to try to stay below that threshold when they signed the 2015 Paris climate accord , but scientists warn the chances of doing so are dwindling .
Greta noted that the remaining carbon `` budget '' to confidently meet that target stood at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ago , the equivalent of 10 years of global emissions .
Even with a more optimistic calculation , keeping the global temperature rise below 1.5C would require a massive reduction in emissions over the next two decades .
While there has been widespread criticism both inside and outside the United States over Mr Trump 's decision to pull the US out of the 2015 Paris climate accord , Greta said the rest of the world , too , was effectively missing the targets set down in that agreement .
`` My generation will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' she said .

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Greta Thunberg has wasted little time to push back against US president Donald Trump's description of climate campaigners as "the perennial prophets of doom" who predict the "apocalypse".
Although Mr Trump did not mention her directly in his speech at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in the Swiss Alpine resort of Davos, it was clear he had his sights on the 17-year-old, who shot to fame a year ago by staging a regular strike at her school and sparked a global environmental movement.
She then beat the US president to receive Time Magazine's award as the 2019 Person of the Year.
"The facts are clear, but they are still too uncomfortable for you to address," she told business and political leaders in Davos just after Mr Trump's speech, also without directly mentioning the president.
"You just leave it because you think it's too depressing and people will give up, but people will not give up. You are the ones who are giving up."
(Image: PA)
The teenager brushed aside Mr Trump's announcement that the US would join the economic forum's initiative to plant one trillion trees across the globe to help capture carbon dioxide from the Earth's atmosphere.
"Planting trees is good of course but it's nowhere near enough," she said. "It cannot replace mitigation," she added, referring to efforts to drastically cut emissions in the near term.
Greta accused leaders of "cheating and fiddling around with numbers" with talk of cutting emissions to 'net zero' - that is, emitting no more carbon than is absorbed by the planet or technical means - by 2050.
She and Trump have been sparring for months, but Greta did not seek to upstage the US leader by walking out of his speech, which was largely focused on trade and economics instead of the climate issues that the WEF has made a focus of at its meeting this year.
Last month, Mr Trump told the teenager in a tweet to "chill" and to "work on her Anger Management problem".
(Image: AP)
It prompted a dry and humorous response from the 17-year-old, who then changed her Twitter caption to read: "A teenager working on her anger management problem. Currently chilling and watching a good old-fashioned movie with a friend."
Greta is not the only young activist to highlight the climate emergency, and was joined on a keynote panel by three others, all of whom said politicians and executives are not doing enough.
A survey of chief executives released this week by financial firm PwC showed that executives rank climate issues as only the 11th most serious risk to their businesses' growth.
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Natasha Wang Mwansa, an 18-year-old from Zambia who campaigns for girls' and women's rights, said "the older generation has a lot of experience, but we have ideas, we have energy, and we have solutions".
And Salvador Gomez-Colon, who raised funds and awareness after Hurricane Maria devastated his native Puerto Rico in 2017, said young activists are doing more than just talking.
"We're not waiting five, 10, 20 years to take the action we want to see. We're not the future of the world, we're the present, we're acting now. We're not waiting any longer."
Greta cited a report released in 2018 by the UN's science panel that calculated the amount of additional carbon dioxide the atmosphere can absorb before global average temperature increases exceed 1.5C (2.7F).
Leaders agreed to try to stay below that threshold when they signed the 2015 Paris climate accord, but scientists warn the chances of doing so are dwindling.
Greta noted that the remaining carbon "budget" to confidently meet that target stood at just 420 gigatons of CO2 two years ago, the equivalent of 10 years of global emissions.
(Image: AP)
Even with a more optimistic calculation, keeping the global temperature rise below 1.5C would require a massive reduction in emissions over the next two decades.
While there has been widespread criticism both inside and outside the United States over Mr Trump's decision to pull the US out of the 2015 Paris climate accord, Greta said the rest of the world, too, was effectively missing the targets set down in that agreement.
"My generation will not give up without a fight," she said.


birminghammail--2020-01-21--Watch: Dramatic moment brave cop jumps into freezing canal to rescue woman in distress

A heroic police officer saved a woman 's life when he dived into a freezing cold canal to rescue her .
The female had plunged into the water after falling from a bridge in Wednesfield and was struggling to stay afloat .
When PC Carl Walters arrived at the scene in Bentley Bridge , he quickly realised the woman was out of her depth .
Dramatic footage from the rescue bid - which can be viewed above - shows the brave officer rip off his jacket and jump in to help her .
PC Walters managed to swim to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the towpath .
She was rushed to hospital with hypothermia but thankfully survived , while PCWalters went home for a quick shower - before returning to duty three hours later .
West Midlands Police has since acknowledged the officer 's life-saving actions by giving him two gongs at a recent awards ceremony .
A spokesman for the force said : `` Jumping into freezing cold water can quickly send people in to shock , but PC Walters saw the woman was struggling to swim and knew he had to help .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she was taken to hospital with hypothermia , but thankfully survived .
`` PC Walters went home for a shower and was back on duty just three hours later .
We honoured his heroism at an award ceremony last week . ''

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A heroic police officer saved a woman's life when he dived into a freezing cold canal to rescue her.
The female had plunged into the water after falling from a bridge in Wednesfield and was struggling to stay afloat.
When PC Carl Walters arrived at the scene in Bentley Bridge, he quickly realised the woman was out of her depth.
Dramatic footage from the rescue bid - which can be viewed above - shows the brave officer rip off his jacket and jump in to help her.
PC Walters managed to swim to the woman and pull her to the safety of the towpath.
(Image: WMP)
She was rushed to hospital with hypothermia but thankfully survived, while PCWalters went home for a quick shower - before returning to duty three hours later.
West Midlands Police has since acknowledged the officer's life-saving actions by giving him two gongs at a recent awards ceremony.
A spokesman for the force said: "Jumping into freezing cold water can quickly send people in to shock, but PC Walters saw the woman was struggling to swim and knew he had to help.
"He pulled her from the canal and she was taken to hospital with hypothermia, but thankfully survived.
"PC Walters went home for a shower and was back on duty just three hours later. We honoured his heroism at an award ceremony last week."


birminghammail--2020-01-21--This is the Birmingham City team Pep Clotet has picked to face Middlesbrough

Pep Clotet has made three changes to the Birmingham City side for tonight ’ s clash with Middlesbrough .
Two @ @ @ @ @ David Davis and Gary Gardner replace Ivan Sunjic and Jude Bellingham .
Lee Camp remains @ @ @ @ @ defence of Maxime Colin , Marc Roberts , Jake Clarke-Salter and Kristian Pedersen .
Maghoma @ @ @ @ @ and Davis - with Lukas Jutkiewicz leading the line in front of Kerim Mrabti .

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Pep Clotet has made three changes to the Birmingham City side for tonight’s clash with Middlesbrough.
Two come in central midfield where David Davis and Gary Gardner replace Ivan Sunjic and Jude Bellingham.
Jacques Maghoma replaces Dan Crowley on the wing.
Lee Camp remains in goal behind the customary defence of Maxime Colin, Marc Roberts, Jake Clarke-Salter and Kristian Pedersen.
Maghoma and Jeremie Bela flank Gardner and Davis - with Lukas Jutkiewicz leading the line in front of Kerim Mrabti.
BLUES: Camp; Colin, Roberts, Clarke-Salter, Pedersen; Davis, Gardner; Maghoma, Mrabti, Bela; Jutkiewicz. Subs: Trueman, Crowley, McEachran, Montero, Bellingham, Sunjic, Gimenez


birminghammail--2020-01-21--Police search for weapon after teenager stabbed in Smith’s Wood 'phone robbery'

Police were tonight searching for a weapon after a teenager was stabbed during a suspected phone robbery .
The attack took place at around 2.30pm today ( January 21 ) in the green space between Windward Way and Chester Road in Smith 's Wood , near to Chelmsley Wood .
An 18-year-old suffered 'serious injuries ' after being stabbed and was taken to hospital .
Police have arrested a 16-year-old and an 18-year-old in connection with the attack .
A West Midland Police spokesman said : `` Police are investigating after an 18-year-old man was stabbed in a park area @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Windward Way in the Chelmsley Wood area of Birmingham just before 2.30pm this afternoon ( Tuesday 21 January ) .
`` He has been taken to hospital with serious injuries and a 16-year-old boy and 18-year-old man have been arrested in connection with the attack . ''
Police have confirmed the victim 's injuries are 'not life-threatening or life-changing ' .
Searches are continuing in the area tonight to try to trace the weapon .
Anyone with information is urged to contact the police via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 .
Please quote log 1310 of 21 January .
The stabbing followed another broad daylight attack on a schoolboy in Sparkbrook yesterday ( January 20 ) .
The 15-year-old was reportedly knifed four times just before 3pm in Stratford Road , Sparkbrook , before staggered into Grantham Road and slumped to the ground .
Quick-thinking passersby rushed to his aid , according to residents .
The youngster suffered serious injuries and was rushed to hospital alongside a critical care doctor .
Police are using @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sparkbrook until 2am tomorrow ( January 22 ) in a bid to find his attacker .

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Police were tonight searching for a weapon after a teenager was stabbed during a suspected phone robbery.
The attack took place at around 2.30pm today (January 21) in the green space between Windward Way and Chester Road in Smith's Wood, near to Chelmsley Wood.
An 18-year-old suffered 'serious injuries' after being stabbed and was taken to hospital.
Police have arrested a 16-year-old and an 18-year-old in connection with the attack.
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A West Midland Police spokesman said: "Police are investigating after an 18-year-old man was stabbed in a park area following a phone robbery between Chester Road and Windward Way in the Chelmsley Wood area of Birmingham just before 2.30pm this afternoon (Tuesday 21 January).
"He has been taken to hospital with serious injuries and a 16-year-old boy and 18-year-old man have been arrested in connection with the attack."
Police have confirmed the victim's injuries are 'not life-threatening or life-changing'.
Searches are continuing in the area tonight to try to trace the weapon.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the police via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight, or call 101 anytime.
(Image: Darren Quinton)
Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111. Please quote log 1310 of 21 January.
The stabbing followed another broad daylight attack on a schoolboy in Sparkbrook yesterday (January 20).
The 15-year-old was reportedly knifed four times just before 3pm in Stratford Road , Sparkbrook, before he staggered into Grantham Road and slumped to the ground.
Quick-thinking passersby rushed to his aid, according to residents.
The youngster suffered serious injuries and was rushed to hospital alongside a critical care doctor.
Police are using Section 60 stop and search powers in Sparkbrook until 2am tomorrow (January 22) in a bid to find his attacker.


birminghammail--2020-01-21--Who Wants To Be A Millionaire needs contestants for new ITV series - how to apply

Fancy yourself as a quizzer and think you can handle the Hotseat on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire ?
Well now is your chance to apply to give it a go .
Jeremy Clarkson is back to host a new series of the quiz show and ITV is looking for contestants who think they 've got what it takes to go all the way and win £1million .
Brains are n't the only thing you 'll need for this quiz because you 'll also need the fastest finger if you want to make it through the opening stage to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you 're there , there are just 15 questions between you and the huge cash sum .
Do n't forget you 're not on your own for this quiz either , at least not all of the time , because you have four lifelines - Ask the Audience , Phone a Friend , 50:50 and Ask the Host .
You can apply to be on the show on the ITV Be On TV website .
Applicants must be 18-years-old or over and entries close on Monday March 30 , 2020 If you are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do n't cheat like this man did .
Major Charles Ingram was accused , alongside his wife Diana and a third man , of using an elaborate coughing system to defraud the show and win the £1 million prize in 2001 .
Needless to say they did n't get away with it and now an ITV drama about the scandal is being made .
Michael Sheen will play the role of Chris Tarrant who was hosting the show at the time .
Who Wants To Be A Millionaire ?
was one of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ingrams were accused of attempting to cheat it .
Prosecutors alleged the couple and their accomplice Tecwen Whittock used a coughing system to cheat their way to the grand prize , with the major in the hot seat listening out for cues from the audience when he read out the correct answer .
All three were found guilty following a high-profile 2003 trial at Southwark Crown Court , though doubt remains over their guilt .
ITV 's Quiz is a three-part series directed by Stephen Frears , whose other credits include The Queen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is due to air on ITV later this year .

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Fancy yourself as a quizzer and think you can handle the Hotseat on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? Well now is your chance to apply to give it a go.
Jeremy Clarkson is back to host a new series of the quiz show and ITV is looking for contestants who think they've got what it takes to go all the way and win £1million.
Brains aren't the only thing you'll need for this quiz because you'll also need the fastest finger if you want to make it through the opening stage to get to the famous chair.
Once you're there, there are just 15 questions between you and the huge cash sum.
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Don't forget you're not on your own for this quiz either, at least not all of the time, because you have four lifelines - Ask the Audience, Phone a Friend, 50:50 and Ask the Host.
You can apply to be on the show on the ITV Be On TV website .
Applicants must be 18-years-old or over and entries close on Monday March 30, 2020
If you are successful in getting on the show - don't cheat like this man did.
Major Charles Ingram was accused, alongside his wife Diana and a third man, of using an elaborate coughing system to defraud the show and win the £1 million prize in 2001.
Needless to say they didn't get away with it and now an ITV drama about the scandal is being made.
Michael Sheen will play the role of Chris Tarrant who was hosting the show at the time.
Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? was one of the most popular shows on TV when the Ingrams were accused of attempting to cheat it.
Prosecutors alleged the couple and their accomplice Tecwen Whittock used a coughing system to cheat their way to the grand prize, with the major in the hot seat listening out for cues from the audience when he read out the correct answer.
All three were found guilty following a high-profile 2003 trial at Southwark Crown Court, though doubt remains over their guilt.
ITV's Quiz is a three-part series directed by Stephen Frears, whose other credits include The Queen and A Very English Scandal.
Quiz is due to air on ITV later this year.