birminghammail--2020-08-07--"It's like a race track": Could this street be Birmingham's most dangerous road?

This shocking photo shows the aftermath of a crash on a notorious accident blackspot .
The two-car collision , which saw a garden wall wrecked , is the latest accident on Stechford Road in Hodge Hill .
Residents on Stechford Road claim the street has suffered dozens of accidents - including two fatal incidents in the last five years - and are now demanding urgent action .
Local resident Jehan Zeb , 50 , a driving instructor , says the area is being treated 'like a race track ' at night time .
The latest smash took place just last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with two cars colliding and crashing into the garden wall of a nearby house .
`` There was an accident that happened on Friday , '' says Mr Zeb , who has lived on Stechford Road for the past 15 years .
`` They collided , hit a brick wall of one house and then went through the brick wall and hit a parked car .
`` And just moments before that accident people had gotten out of that car to visit family .
We were standing on the driveway because we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the people had just gotten out of the car .
`` It was just fate .
Even the policeman attending the accident told me he 's had an accident himself in his patrol car on the same road . ''
Mr Zeb says that issues along the road have gotten progressively worse in the 15 years he has lived there , even claiming that more people are moving away from the area due to the road .
Mr Zeb says he 's witnessed several accidents , including the aftermath of a smash @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overturned - although there were no serious injuries .
He also claimed that a radar speed system installed by the council had stopped working after two weeks .
He said : `` It stopped working in October last year .
It worked for two weeks only .
And I told them it had stopped working , and they said ‘ oh it ’ s beyond repair , it ’ s not worth repairing ’ .
I said ‘ replace it then ’ , and was told they ’ d have to wait for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ So January came and nothing happened .
`` If you come to our road at about 7 o ’ clock , it ’ s like a race circuit .
It ’ s like living next to the M6 .
There ’ s overtaking and racing , wheel spinning and all sorts .
`` I ’ m just scared that we ’ re gon na get another fatality and it ’ s going to be somebody innocent like a child .
I ’ ve got three grandchildren myself that come to visit me , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I ’ ve done the garden out for you , don ’ t even think about going anywhere near the front ’ .
Because you do think to yourself , if they do wander out , they ’ ve just got no chance .
Absolutely no chance.
!
Councillor Majid Mahmood ( Lab , Bromford & Hodge Hill ) , one of the local councillors for the area , says that he too has been working on introducing measures to bring down the number of accidents along the Stechford Road .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the junction is remodelled and further works done .
`` We are acutely aware of the high number of road traffic collisions including at least fatalities in the last few years on the road , '' he said .
`` I and my ward colleague Diane Donaldson have been working with the city council local engineers to identify and procure resources to bring about measures to slow traffic , and make it safer for both pedestrians and vehicles .
`` There is a lot of highway enhancements taking place around the corner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will include a new left turning into Stechford Lane .
I ’ m hopeful once these works are finalised we can bring about major changes and improvements to Stechford Road .
`` It is imperative that there is a junction remodel and enhancement with associated traffic calming measures where possible .
The council must treat the road as a priority .
`` Unfortunately there was another road traffic collision last week which could ’ ve led to serious injuries .
`` We will continue to work with residents , and the City Council @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Birmingham transport bosses say they are monitoring the situation and have not ruled out putting speed measures in place .
They claim that the road would have been covered under a blanket 20mph rule they had planned to roll out across the city , which was rejected by the Government .
Responding to the appeal Cllr Waseem Zaffar , Cabinet Member for Transport and the Environment , said : “ I am committed to rolling-out 20mph limits to residential roads city-wide , hence my letter to the Secretary of State for Transport @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to support Birmingham becoming a default 20mph city .
`` Disappointingly , this request was turned down , and therefore we now need to review and revise our phased implementation plan and budget considerations for the roll-out of 20mph speed limits across Birmingham.
” The council also said it would continue to monitor the Stechford Road to determine whether it would qualify for funds under the Local Road Safety Scheme in future .

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This shocking photo shows the aftermath of a crash on a notorious accident blackspot.
The two-car collision, which saw a garden wall wrecked, is the latest accident on Stechford Road in Hodge Hill.
Residents on Stechford Road claim the street has suffered dozens of accidents - including two fatal incidents in the last five years - and are now demanding urgent action.
Local resident Jehan Zeb, 50, a driving instructor, says the area is being treated 'like a race track' at night time.
The latest smash took place just last week (Fri, Jul 31), with two cars colliding and crashing into the garden wall of a nearby house.
"There was an accident that happened on Friday," says Mr Zeb, who has lived on Stechford Road for the past 15 years.
"They collided, hit a brick wall of one house and then went through the brick wall and hit a parked car.
"And just moments before that accident people had gotten out of that car to visit family. We were standing on the driveway because we had some visitors as well, and that the people had just gotten out of the car.
"It was just fate. Even the policeman attending the accident told me he's had an accident himself in his patrol car on the same road."
Mr Zeb says that issues along the road have gotten progressively worse in the 15 years he has lived there, even claiming that more people are moving away from the area due to the road.
Mr Zeb says he's witnessed several accidents, including the aftermath of a smash in June 2019 in which a car overturned - although there were no serious injuries.
He also claimed that a radar speed system installed by the council had stopped working after two weeks.
He said: "It stopped working in October last year. It worked for two weeks only. And I told them it had stopped working, and they said ‘oh it’s beyond repair, it’s not worth repairing’. I said ‘replace it then’, and was told they’d have to wait for funding in January of this year. So January came and nothing happened.
"If you come to our road at about 7 o’clock, it’s like a race circuit. It’s like living next to the M6. There’s overtaking and racing, wheel spinning and all sorts.
"I’m just scared that we’re gonna get another fatality and it’s going to be somebody innocent like a child. I’ve got three grandchildren myself that come to visit me, and I say to them ‘look, I’ve done the garden out for you, don’t even think about going anywhere near the front’. Because you do think to yourself, if they do wander out, they’ve just got no chance. Absolutely no chance.!
Councillor Majid Mahmood (Lab, Bromford & Hodge Hill), one of the local councillors for the area, says that he too has been working on introducing measures to bring down the number of accidents along the Stechford Road.
And he believes that it is 'imperative' that the junction is remodelled and further works done.
"We are acutely aware of the high number of road traffic collisions including at least fatalities in the last few years on the road," he said.
"I and my ward colleague Diane Donaldson have been working with the city council local engineers to identify and procure resources to bring about measures to slow traffic, and make it safer for both pedestrians and vehicles.
"There is a lot of highway enhancements taking place around the corner on Stechford Lane and Iron Lane which will include a new left turning into Stechford Lane. I’m hopeful once these works are finalised we can bring about major changes and improvements to Stechford Road.
"It is imperative that there is a junction remodel and enhancement with associated traffic calming measures where possible. The council must treat the road as a priority.
(Image: LDRS)
"Unfortunately there was another road traffic collision last week which could’ve led to serious injuries.
"We will continue to work with residents, and the City Council together with stakeholders to protect residents."
Birmingham transport bosses say they are monitoring the situation and have not ruled out putting speed measures in place.
They claim that the road would have been covered under a blanket 20mph rule they had planned to roll out across the city, which was rejected by the Government.
Responding to the appeal Cllr Waseem Zaffar, Cabinet Member for Transport and the Environment, said: “I am committed to rolling-out 20mph limits to residential roads city-wide, hence my letter to the Secretary of State for Transport back in May asking for central government to support Birmingham becoming a default 20mph city.
"Disappointingly, this request was turned down, and therefore we now need to review and revise our phased implementation plan and budget considerations for the roll-out of 20mph speed limits across Birmingham.”
The council also said it would continue to monitor the Stechford Road to determine whether it would qualify for funds under the Local Road Safety Scheme in future.


birminghammail--2020-08-07--Jimenez outlines his hopes after firing Wolves to quarter finals

Raul Jimenez wants Wolves to finish the job off in Germany after they booked themselves a place in the Europa League quarter finals on Thursday evening .
Jimenez netted the only goal from the penalty spot as Wolves edged past Olympiakos at Molineux , and they now head to Germany where the remainder of the tournament will be played out .
There , in straight knock-out matches , they ’ ll compete with the likes of Manchester United , Inter Milan and next opponents Sevilla .
It means that Wolves are three matches away from claiming the Europa League title @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next term .
Jimenez is desperate for Nuno ’ s troops to maintain their continental momentum having begun their journey more than 12 months ago .
“ It feels amazing being in the quarter-finals , ” Jimenez said .
“ We ’ ve had a long journey to be here , but now we have to face it knowing that it will be difficult , but we are playing for something and we want it .
“ It ’ s very big .
After our first year in the Premier League we learned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ League , now this year , we made more points in the Premier League and now we ’ re in the quarter-finals , we want it more .
“ We want to keep going , keep doing this as we know and keep going like this .
“ It ’ s a long , long season .
We started last year and now we are here , still with the same players , still with the same rhythm , now we try to achieve big things and we know that we can do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go to Germany , be focused on what ’ s coming and then think about the next game .
”

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Raul Jimenez wants Wolves to finish the job off in Germany after they booked themselves a place in the Europa League quarter finals on Thursday evening.
Jimenez netted the only goal from the penalty spot as Wolves edged past Olympiakos at Molineux, and they now head to Germany where the remainder of the tournament will be played out.
There, in straight knock-out matches, they’ll compete with the likes of Manchester United, Inter Milan and next opponents Sevilla.
It means that Wolves are three matches away from claiming the Europa League title and ensuring Champions League football graces Molineux next term.
Jimenez is desperate for Nuno’s troops to maintain their continental momentum having begun their journey more than 12 months ago.
“It feels amazing being in the quarter-finals,” Jimenez said. “We’ve had a long journey to be here, but now we have to face it knowing that it will be difficult, but we are playing for something and we want it.
“It’s very big. After our first year in the Premier League we learned a lot, we achieved the Europa League, now this year, we made more points in the Premier League and now we’re in the quarter-finals, we want it more.
“We want to keep going, keep doing this as we know and keep going like this.
“It’s a long, long season. We started last year and now we are here, still with the same players, still with the same rhythm, now we try to achieve big things and we know that we can do it.
“Now we have to go to Germany, be focused on what’s coming and then think about the next game.”


birminghammail--2020-08-07--Custody suite reopens after Covid-19 outbreak

A Black Country custody station is once again operational after a Covid-19 outbreak forced three police staff to self-isolate .
West Midlands Police said the Oldbury Custody Suite was closed for five days while a deep clean was undertaken following the confirmed cases of the deadly virus .
A total of three custody staff , which is up from two last week , have been forced to self-isolate following the positive tests .
A spokesman for the force said that no members of the public detained in the block had significant contact with the infected individuals .
Cops worked with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PHE ) Midlands to identify and contact any staff members who may have had contact with the three individuals and a number of staff are self-isolating for 14 days as a result .
The news came after an emergency incident was declared amid continued fears about surges in infections in Smethwick , West Bromwich and the Sandwell area .
Superintendent Martin Hurcomb from Sandwell Police , said : `` Last Sunday we received confirmation of two positive cases and then a third person tested positive on Monday ( 3 August ) .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as quickly as possible and were able to put in all appropriate preventative action to minimise any onward infection .
`` The custody block has now been re-opened today . ''

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A Black Country custody station is once again operational after a Covid-19 outbreak forced three police staff to self-isolate.
West Midlands Police said the Oldbury Custody Suite was closed for five days while a deep clean was undertaken following the confirmed cases of the deadly virus.
A total of three custody staff, which is up from two last week, have been forced to self-isolate following the positive tests.
A spokesman for the force said that no members of the public detained in the block had significant contact with the infected individuals.
Cops worked with Sandwell Council and Public Health England (PHE) Midlands to identify and contact any staff members who may have had contact with the three individuals and a number of staff are self-isolating for 14 days as a result.
The news came after an emergency incident was declared amid continued fears about surges in infections in Smethwick, West Bromwich and the Sandwell area.
Superintendent Martin Hurcomb from Sandwell Police, said: "Last Sunday we received confirmation of two positive cases and then a third person tested positive on Monday (3 August).
"We sought the advice of public health as quickly as possible and were able to put in all appropriate preventative action to minimise any onward infection.
"The custody block has now been re-opened today."


birminghammail--2020-08-07--'Too good to be true' - Aston Villa fans revel in latest backroom appointment

Aston Villa have wasted little time in reforming their backroom staff after escaping relegation by the skin of their teeth .
A final-day draw at West Ham last month saw Dean Smith 's men stay up by just a a single point .
Villa do not want to go through the wringer again and are intent on building a backroom team that will transform the team 's fortunes on the pitch and ensure there are no more dramas next season .
The appointment on Monday of Johan Lange as technical director , replacing Jesus Garcia Pitarch who was sacked last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the imminent arrival of former Leicester scout Rob Mackenzie as the club 's new head of recruitment .
And , in-keeping with the Leicester theme , former Foxes manager Craig Shakespeare was on Friday confirmed as a new addition to Smith 's coaching line-up , joining John Terry and Richard O'Kelly as assistant head coach .
Shakespeare , who started his coaching career at West Bromwich Albion , was assistant to Claudio Ranieri when , against all odds , Leicester won the 2016 Premier League title .
He became the first Premier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ game in his first three matches after he took over as caretaker manager following the dismissal of Ranieri .
He then became the only English manager to win his first four league matches before being named as permanent Foxes boss in June 2017 .
His reign at the King Power was short-lived and ironically brought to an end after a 1-1 draw at home to the Baggies in October that year .
Despite presiding over a poor run of results , he was still highly thought of by Leicester fans when he departed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as Sam Allardyce 's right-hand man at Everton before joining Watford as Nigel Pearson 's number two last season .
Shakespeare and Pearson brought about a huge upturn in Watford 's form and looked , after hammering previously unbeaten Liverpool , like they would lead the team to safety .
But the pair could n't quite keep the Hornets up at the expense of Villa on the final day .
It 's little wonder , given his pedigree and the fact he 's a self-confessed Villa fan , supporters have welcomed his appointment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , @ GiorgiTevdorad4 said : `` Great news !
I hope Villa will spend money wisely and buy Premier League quality players , not a random Belgium league `` talents '' . ''
@ mcmillan_alex said : `` That is a quality addition , said to go for him earlier this week .
Just what we needed JoNeSy2020 said : `` This is just too good to be true .
Three great appointments in a week to the backroom staff , setting up a great structure . ''
@ TheLastAwayDay said : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a level of tentative optimism that I do n't think I 've felt about Villa for a long time .
Hope you can build on it from here . ''
@ StephenArnold78 said : `` Behind the scenes team seems to be taking shape this season , fingers crossed the next step is the playing squad and it ’ s equally as promising . ''
@ Kencarroll79 said : `` Two good appointments today villa keep it going with player recruitment .
LeeGibson6 said : `` Given that Smith appears to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a very shrewd appointment imo .
Good coaching pedigree . ''
Some fans have posed the question what Shakespeare 's arrival might mean for Terry , who has been linked with the managerial vacancy at Bournemouth .
@ UTV_AVFC said : `` Great appointment !
Three assistants to Dean then now ... something ’ s got to give .
`` Defensive record speaks for itself with JT so wouldn ’ t be fussed if he moved on to pursue a management career - done great for us though in his time in lots @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` We already have 2 assistant head coaches , who ’ s going ? ''
But Terry , who joined the coaching staff at Villa in 2018 after missing out on promotion as a player in the Championship play-off final , is expected to stay put in the West Midlands .

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Aston Villa have wasted little time in reforming their backroom staff after escaping relegation by the skin of their teeth.
A final-day draw at West Ham last month saw Dean Smith's men stay up by just a a single point.
Villa do not want to go through the wringer again and are intent on building a backroom team that will transform the team's fortunes on the pitch and ensure there are no more dramas next season.
The appointment on Monday of Johan Lange as technical director, replacing Jesus Garcia Pitarch who was sacked last month, was swiftly followed by news of the imminent arrival of former Leicester scout Rob Mackenzie as the club's new head of recruitment.
And, in-keeping with the Leicester theme, former Foxes manager Craig Shakespeare was on Friday confirmed as a new addition to Smith's coaching line-up, joining John Terry and Richard O'Kelly as assistant head coach.
Shakespeare, who started his coaching career at West Bromwich Albion, was assistant to Claudio Ranieri when, against all odds, Leicester won the 2016 Premier League title.
He became the first Premier League manager to achieve three goals per game in his first three matches after he took over as caretaker manager following the dismissal of Ranieri.
He then became the only English manager to win his first four league matches before being named as permanent Foxes boss in June 2017.
His reign at the King Power was short-lived and ironically brought to an end after a 1-1 draw at home to the Baggies in October that year.
Despite presiding over a poor run of results, he was still highly thought of by Leicester fans when he departed.
The 56-year-old Brummie had a spell as Sam Allardyce's right-hand man at Everton before joining Watford as Nigel Pearson's number two last season.
Shakespeare and Pearson brought about a huge upturn in Watford's form and looked, after hammering previously unbeaten Liverpool, like they would lead the team to safety.
But the pair couldn't quite keep the Hornets up at the expense of Villa on the final day.
It's little wonder, given his pedigree and the fact he's a self-confessed Villa fan, supporters have welcomed his appointment with open arms.
Posting on Twitter, @GiorgiTevdorad4 said: "Great news! I hope Villa will spend money wisely and buy Premier League quality players, not a random Belgium league "talents"."
@mcmillan_alex said: " That is a quality addition, said to go for him earlier this week. Just what we needed
JoNeSy2020 said: "This is just too good to be true. Three great appointments in a week to the backroom staff, setting up a great structure."
@TheLastAwayDay said: "These are some good moves. This is a level of tentative optimism that I don't think I've felt about Villa for a long time. Hope you can build on it from here."
@StephenArnold78 said: "Behind the scenes team seems to be taking shape this season, fingers crossed the next step is the playing squad and it’s equally as promising."
@Kencarroll79 said: "Two good appointments today villa keep it going with player recruitment.
LeeGibson6 said: "Given that Smith appears to be on board with this, it's a very shrewd appointment imo. Good coaching pedigree."
Some fans have posed the question what Shakespeare's arrival might mean for Terry, who has been linked with the managerial vacancy at Bournemouth.
@UTV_AVFC said: "Great appointment! Three assistants to Dean then now...something’s got to give.
"Defensive record speaks for itself with JT so wouldn’t be fussed if he moved on to pursue a management career - done great for us though in his time in lots of ways."
And Lewispavfc said: "We already have 2 assistant head coaches, who’s going?"
But Terry, who joined the coaching staff at Villa in 2018 after missing out on promotion as a player in the Championship play-off final, is expected to stay put in the West Midlands.


birminghammail--2020-08-07--Players Blues could target as League One salary cap is introduced

Clubs in League One and League Two have voted in favour of an immediate introduction of a salary cap .
The limit in League One will be set at £2.5m , while at League Two the limit is at a lower value of £1.5m .
Wages , bonuses and other fees relating to players aged 21 or over will be part of the cap but income gained through competition achievements , such as landing promotion or advancing in cup competitions , will be exempt .
Clubs who break the regulations will be fined or face further sanctions .
Birmingham City @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after the sale of Jude Bellingham ; it 'll be needed too , after a flurry of exits involving loanees and out-of-contract stars since the end of the campaign .
New boss Aitor Karanka , too , will hope to be backed accordingly in the transfer market upon his own arrival .
With clubs in the division beneath Blues now forced to keep an even closer look at their wage bills , we ’ ve taken a look at five of the best possible signings from League One this summer , who could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impact .
After helping Oxford to the brink of promotion , Dickie is a man in demand with Southampton , Burnley , Fulham , Reading , Derby and Nottingham Forest linked to his signature .
Manager Karl Robinson admits his fee has risen in light of such interest .
He said : “ There ’ s been a lot of interest .
We ’ ve had a phone call ( talking ) in excess of an awful lot of millions .
Would that be enough to get him ?
We ’ ve said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confirmed , nothing ’ s on the table , but we ’ ve had phone calls .
I ’ ll be honest , the value we had ( to start with ) was low in comparison to what we ’ ve had already .
“ That has really made us sit up and go ‘ where we were might not be where this ends ’ .
We ’ re quite excited by that.
” The Irishman is being linked to a move to Brentford as they seek a replacement for Said Benrahma , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reportedly rejected moves to Blackburn and Reading in January .
Last season he scored 14 goals and added 12 assists , making interest in his signature inevitable .
Curtis is contracted at Fratton Park until 2023 and has three caps for Ireland .
This week it was announced Portsmouth are losing £700,000 per month , meaning they might have to cash in .
Toney scored 26 goals in 39 games in all competitions last term , but Posh are now prepared to sell after they missed out on promotion to the Championship .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ director of football - and former Blues man - Barry Fry has gone public on the deal , perhaps looking to drive up the price with Brentford , Derby and Forest also linked to the player .
“ They ( Celtic ) are running out of time now .
The lad is very close to signing for someone else in the next couple of days , ” the club ’ s chief told The Scottish Daily Mail .
“ Celtic would have been his preferred choice , but they are nowhere near it.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ competitive and is recognised for his all out commitment to the team , making him a huge fan favourite .
A key man for Sunderland , he played 45 times last season as they missed out on promotion again .
With the club over paying for years in terms of fees and wages , they will now be forced to get their house in order when it comes to salaries .
Bass came into the Palace side in January making 25 appearances last season .
He made a terrible error in their play-off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ highly rated at Fratton Park .
Contracted until 2023 , he has been linked with a move to Crystal Palace and Middlesbrough .
Manager Kenny Jackett talked down the prospects of Bass leaving in March .
Jackett rejected any talk of cashing in on Bass earlier this year , speaking in March he told the Portsmouth News : “ Selling him is not something we have considered .
“ He has caught our eye – that ’ s the main thing .
I hope he stays here and I hope he stays here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ He ’ s a young player and young players want to break through , they want to establish themselves and do well for the club and he is no different .
“ I don ’ t see anything else other than Alex being at Pompey and doing well .
We ’ ll see if there is anything in the future , you don ’ t know .
”

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Joseph Chapman, Matt Davies)

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Clubs in League One and League Two have voted in favour of an immediate introduction of a salary cap.
The limit in League One will be set at £2.5m, while at League Two the limit is at a lower value of £1.5m.
Wages, bonuses and other fees relating to players aged 21 or over will be part of the cap but income gained through competition achievements, such as landing promotion or advancing in cup competitions, will be exempt.
Clubs who break the regulations will be fined or face further sanctions.
Birmingham City, meanwhile, have cash to spend after the sale of Jude Bellingham; it'll be needed too, after a flurry of exits involving loanees and out-of-contract stars since the end of the campaign.
New boss Aitor Karanka, too, will hope to be backed accordingly in the transfer market upon his own arrival.
With clubs in the division beneath Blues now forced to keep an even closer look at their wage bills, we’ve taken a look at five of the best possible signings from League One this summer, who could make the step up and make an impact.
Rob Dickie (Oxford United)
Position : Central defender
Age : 24
Value: £2m to £3m
After helping Oxford to the brink of promotion, Dickie is a man in demand with Southampton, Burnley, Fulham, Reading, Derby and Nottingham Forest linked to his signature.
Manager Karl Robinson admits his fee has risen in light of such interest.
He said: “There’s been a lot of interest. We’ve had a phone call (talking) in excess of an awful lot of millions. Would that be enough to get him? We’ve said no.
“Nothing’s been confirmed, nothing’s on the table, but we’ve had phone calls. I’ll be honest, the value we had (to start with) was low in comparison to what we’ve had already.
“That has really made us sit up and go ‘where we were might not be where this ends’. We’re quite excited by that.”
Ronan Curtis (Portsmouth)
Position : Left winger
Age : 24
Value : £3m
The Irishman is being linked to a move to Brentford as they seek a replacement for Said Benrahma, who is Premier League bound.
Curtis reportedly rejected moves to Blackburn and Reading in January.
Last season he scored 14 goals and added 12 assists, making interest in his signature inevitable.
Curtis is contracted at Fratton Park until 2023 and has three caps for Ireland.
This week it was announced Portsmouth are losing £700,000 per month, meaning they might have to cash in.
Ivan Toney (Peterborough United)
Position : Striker
Age : 24
Value : £6m
Toney scored 26 goals in 39 games in all competitions last term, but Posh are now prepared to sell after they missed out on promotion to the Championship.
Celtic have reportedly bid £4m, but director of football - and former Blues man - Barry Fry has gone public on the deal, perhaps looking to drive up the price with Brentford, Derby and Forest also linked to the player.
“They (Celtic) are running out of time now. The lad is very close to signing for someone else in the next couple of days,” the club’s chief told The Scottish Daily Mail.
“Celtic would have been his preferred choice, but they are nowhere near it.”
(Image: Getty Images)
Luke O’Nien (Sunderland)
Position : Right-back/midfielder
Age : 25
Value : £1.5m
The former Wycombe man is fiercely competitive and is recognised for his all out commitment to the team, making him a huge fan favourite.
A key man for Sunderland, he played 45 times last season as they missed out on promotion again.
With the club over paying for years in terms of fees and wages, they will now be forced to get their house in order when it comes to salaries.
(Image: EMPICS Sport)
Alex Bass (Portsmouth)
Position : Goalkeeper
Age : 22
Value : £2m
Bass came into the Palace side in January making 25 appearances last season.
He made a terrible error in their play-off defeat to Oxford United, but is highly rated at Fratton Park. Contracted until 2023, he has been linked with a move to Crystal Palace and Middlesbrough.
Manager Kenny Jackett talked down the prospects of Bass leaving in March.
Jackett rejected any talk of cashing in on Bass earlier this year, speaking in March he told the Portsmouth News: “Selling him is not something we have considered.
“He has caught our eye – that’s the main thing. I hope he stays here and I hope he stays here for a long time and keeps improving.
“He’s a young player and young players want to break through, they want to establish themselves and do well for the club and he is no different.
“I don’t see anything else other than Alex being at Pompey and doing well. We’ll see if there is anything in the future, you don’t know.”


birminghammail--2020-08-07--Air India crash latest - at least 16 killed and 123 hurt as plane breaks apart

An Air India Express flight carrying 190 passengers has crashed and broken in half , killing at least 16 people .
Police attending the incident in southern India said 123 others were injured .
The plane from Dubai to Calicut - also known as Kozhikode - broke in two in the horror crash after it tried to land in torrential rain .
It overshot the runway at Kozhikode International Airport and plunged into a valley .
Fire engines and ambulances raced to the scene .
Reports said the plane `` broke apart '' on landing at Kozhikode after skidding off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 7 .
Abdul Karim , a police officer , said the dead included one of the pilots .
He said at least 15 of the injured were in critical condition .
Rajiv Jain , a spokesman for the Civil Aviation Ministry , said no fire was reported on the Boeing 737 aircraft .
It was a repatriation flight carrying Indian citizens back to the country , officials said .
Regular commercial flights have been halted in India because of the coronavirus outbreak .
Mr Jain said there were 174 adult passengers , 10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crew on board the aircraft .
Amitabh Kant , who heads the government 's planning commission , said the runway is on a hilltop with deep gorges on either side , making it difficult to land .
`` The incident happened because of heavy rains and poor visibility .
This is truly devastating , '' he told NDTV .
Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted that he was `` pained by the plane accident in Kozhikode '' , and that he had spoken to Kerala 's top elected official .

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An Air India Express flight carrying 190 passengers has crashed and broken in half, killing at least 16 people.
Police attending the incident in southern India said 123 others were injured.
The plane from Dubai to Calicut - also known as Kozhikode - broke in two in the horror crash after it tried to land in torrential rain.
It overshot the runway at Kozhikode International Airport and plunged into a valley.
Fire engines and ambulances raced to the scene.
Reports said the plane "broke apart" on landing at Kozhikode after skidding off the runway at 7.40pm on Friday August 7.
Abdul Karim, a police officer, said the dead included one of the pilots. He said at least 15 of the injured were in critical condition.
Rajiv Jain, a spokesman for the Civil Aviation Ministry, said no fire was reported on the Boeing 737 aircraft.
It was a repatriation flight carrying Indian citizens back to the country, officials said. Regular commercial flights have been halted in India because of the coronavirus outbreak.
Mr Jain said there were 174 adult passengers, 10 infants, two pilots and four cabin crew on board the aircraft.
Amitabh Kant, who heads the government's planning commission, said the runway is on a hilltop with deep gorges on either side, making it difficult to land.
"The incident happened because of heavy rains and poor visibility. This is truly devastating," he told NDTV.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted that he was "pained by the plane accident in Kozhikode", and that he had spoken to Kerala's top elected official.
Air India Express is a subsidiary of Air India.


birminghammail--2020-08-07--Latest coronavirus UK figures show 46,511 deaths but none in Midlands hospitals

A further ten people who tested positive for coronavirus ( Covid-19 ) have died , according to latest figures release today .
This brings the total number of confirmed reported deaths in hospitals in England to 29,386 , part of an overall UK total of 46,511 fatalities .
All the patients who died in hospitals in England were aged between 54 and 94 years old and had known underlying health conditions .
Their families have been informed .
The number of deaths of patients with Covid-19 by region are as follows : NHS England also reports the number of patient @ @ @ @ @ @ @ positive test result , but where coronavirus is documented as a direct or underlying cause of death on the death certificate .
Today , five deaths have been reported where there was no positive Covid-19 test result .
Across the UK as a whole , the Government said 46,511 people had died in hospitals , care homes and the wider community after testing positive for coronavirus as of 5pm on Thursday , up by 98 from the day before .
Separate figures published by the UK 's statistics agencies show there have now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate .
The Government also said that in the 24-hour period up to 9am on Friday , there had been a further 871 lab-confirmed cases .
Overall , a total of 309,005 cases have been confirmed .

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A further ten people who tested positive for coronavirus (Covid-19) have died, according to latest figures release today.
This brings the total number of confirmed reported deaths in hospitals in England to 29,386, part of an overall UK total of 46,511 fatalities.
All the patients who died in hospitals in England were aged between 54 and 94 years old and had known underlying health conditions. Their families have been informed.
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The number of deaths of patients with Covid-19 by region are as follows:
East of England 0
London 1
Midlands 0
North East & Yorkshire 6
North West 0
South East 2
South West 1
TOTAL 10
NHS England also reports the number of patient deaths where there has been no Covid-19 positive test result, but where coronavirus is documented as a direct or underlying cause of death on the death certificate.
Today, five deaths have been reported where there was no positive Covid-19 test result.
Across the UK as a whole, the Government said 46,511 people had died in hospitals, care homes and the wider community after testing positive for coronavirus as of 5pm on Thursday, up by 98 from the day before.
Separate figures published by the UK's statistics agencies show there have now been 56,600 deaths registered in the UK where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate.
The Government also said that in the 24-hour period up to 9am on Friday, there had been a further 871 lab-confirmed cases. Overall, a total of 309,005 cases have been confirmed.


birminghammail--2020-08-07--Romaine Sawyers sends West Brom warning to Premier League rivals

West Brom aren ’ t returning to the Premier League this coming season merely for a spot of tourism .
If this Albion group were to pitch up starstruck and enjoy the better quality of life that top flight football has to offer without showing what they ’ ve got , they ’ d quickly find themselves in relegation quicksand .
That ’ s something that Romaine Sawyers , who by earning promotion with his boyhood club completed a remarkable career adventure , realises already .
The midfielder , a regularly selected cog in Slaven Bilic ’ s machine that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ final fixture of the season , will take to top flight football for the very first time next month , having done the hard yards in League One and in the Championship .
In order to ensure that his top flight experience is enjoyed over a period of years , rather than a pit-stop , Sawyers knows he and his colleagues must shift their mind-set , in a similar vein to Sheffield United who successfully made the step up .
“ It ’ s exciting but we don ’ t want to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to take in the stadiums , the players , Match of the Day and then just go back to the Championship , ” Sawyers told PA Sport .
“ It ’ s easier said than done but you have to have that mentality .
We ’ ve got that in the group , we ’ re not just there for the ride .
If you want to follow all things Albion via social media then this is the place to find out how .
Transfers , injuries , match-day videos and photos and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 WBA news , opinion , analysis and transfer gossip , click here You can follow our reporter Joseph Chapman on Twitter , and his email address is Joseph.Chapman @ reachplc.com “ This year we were expected to beat most teams , we had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Championship team , but we also had Premier League talent in Jake Livermore , Charlie Austin , Grady ( Diangana ) and Matheus ( Pereira ) had a fantastic season .
“ Now we have done it people feel we can hold our own in the Premier League but it ’ s about going and doing it .
“ Next year we ’ re not expected to lose every game but you have to pinpoint what games to take points from.
” Sawyers also revealed that he ’ d spoken to one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had been let go by Albion in the close season .
Much like the man himself back in 2013 , those players who still have fledgling careers have an incentive now - to prove Albion wrong and make a name for themselves elsewhere .
“ I could be an example now I ’ ve reached the Premier League , ” Sawyers explained .
“ In five years time someone might say ‘ remember Romaine , he was at West Brom but then went to Walsall and Brentford before going back and getting promoted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boys who didn ’ t get a new deal this year and said ‘ I ’ ve done it , you can do it but do it better ’ .
It ’ s a legacy which can be left behind .
“ Although I would be lying if I said I knew it was going to come .
I knew the things I ’ d have to do , work hard and showcase my talent , to get back there .
”

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West Brom aren’t returning to the Premier League this coming season merely for a spot of tourism.
If this Albion group were to pitch up starstruck and enjoy the better quality of life that top flight football has to offer without showing what they’ve got, they’d quickly find themselves in relegation quicksand.
That’s something that Romaine Sawyers, who by earning promotion with his boyhood club completed a remarkable career adventure, realises already.
The midfielder, a regularly selected cog in Slaven Bilic’s machine that clinched promotion in dramatic circumstances on the final fixture of the season, will take to top flight football for the very first time next month, having done the hard yards in League One and in the Championship.
In order to ensure that his top flight experience is enjoyed over a period of years, rather than a pit-stop, Sawyers knows he and his colleagues must shift their mind-set, in a similar vein to Sheffield United who successfully made the step up.
“It’s exciting but we don’t want to be tourists, we don’t want to take in the stadiums, the players, Match of the Day and then just go back to the Championship,” Sawyers told PA Sport.
“It’s easier said than done but you have to have that mentality. We’ve got that in the group, we’re not just there for the ride.
“This year we were expected to beat most teams, we had a Premier League manager in charge of a Championship team, but we also had Premier League talent in Jake Livermore, Charlie Austin, Grady (Diangana) and Matheus (Pereira) had a fantastic season.
“Now we have done it people feel we can hold our own in the Premier League but it’s about going and doing it.
“Next year we’re not expected to lose every game but you have to pinpoint what games to take points from.”
Sawyers also revealed that he’d spoken to one or two of the young players who had been let go by Albion in the close season.
Much like the man himself back in 2013, those players who still have fledgling careers have an incentive now - to prove Albion wrong and make a name for themselves elsewhere.
“I could be an example now I’ve reached the Premier League,” Sawyers explained. “In five years time someone might say ‘remember Romaine, he was at West Brom but then went to Walsall and Brentford before going back and getting promoted’.
“I spoke to the boys who didn’t get a new deal this year and said ‘I’ve done it, you can do it but do it better’. It’s a legacy which can be left behind.
“Although I would be lying if I said I knew it was going to come. I knew the things I’d have to do, work hard and showcase my talent, to get back there.”


birminghammail--2020-08-07--Man left with serious injuries after collision with car

A man has been taken to hospital in a serious condition after a collision with a car in Walsall .
Police were called to Salters Road , which is close to Lichfield Road , after the smash between the pedestrian and motor at 2.30pm on Friday , August 7 .
Medics treated the man , who is in his 40s , for serious injuries and crews also administered trauma care before transporting him to Walsall Manor Hospital .
West Midlands Police has closed off the major route and National Express West Midlands buses are currently being diverted .
A spokesman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 've been called to a collision involving a car and pedestrian in Salters Road , Walsall Wood , which happened just before 2.30pm today ( August 7 ) .
`` A man in his 40s has been taken to hospital with serious injuries .
`` The driver remained at the scene and is helping with our enquiries .
`` Anyone with information can contact us via Live Chat , or by calling 101 , and quote log 2615 of August 7 . ''
A spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance Service added : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Walsall , at 2.20pm to reports of an car vs pedestrian RTC .
`` One ambulance and a critical care car was sent to the scene .
`` Treated one patient , a man , for serious injuries .
He was given trauma care on scene and taken to Walsall Manor Hospital . ''

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A man has been taken to hospital in a serious condition after a collision with a car in Walsall.
Police were called to Salters Road, which is close to Lichfield Road, after the smash between the pedestrian and motor at 2.30pm on Friday, August 7.
Medics treated the man, who is in his 40s, for serious injuries and crews also administered trauma care before transporting him to Walsall Manor Hospital.
West Midlands Police has closed off the major route and National Express West Midlands buses are currently being diverted.
A spokesman for the force added: "We've been called to a collision involving a car and pedestrian in Salters Road, Walsall Wood, which happened just before 2.30pm today (August 7).
"A man in his 40s has been taken to hospital with serious injuries.
"The driver remained at the scene and is helping with our enquiries.
"Anyone with information can contact us via Live Chat, or by calling 101, and quote log 2615 of August 7."
A spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance Service added: "We were called to Salters Road, Walsall, at 2.20pm to reports of an car vs pedestrian RTC.
"One ambulance and a critical care car was sent to the scene.
"Treated one patient, a man, for serious injuries. He was given trauma care on scene and taken to Walsall Manor Hospital."


birminghammail--2020-08-07--Police to use Stop and Search powers after firearms offences rise

Crime and courts news - latest updates in your inbox with our free newsletter We all want to feel safe @ @ @ @ @ .
So it 's important to know what 's going on and what is being @ @ @ @ @ and the criminal justice system .
Large , highly populated urban areas like Birmingham and @ @ @ @ @ have plenty happening with crime reports and court hearings .
You can get the very @ @ @ @ @ as information on court cases in our BirminghamLive daily newsletter .
Sign up here or @ @ @ @ @ the top of the article .
It has all the latest updates from police and @ @ @ @ @ courts .
We also have a free app which you can download to get the @ @ @ @ @ the region .
Find it on Google Play Store and App Store

Crime and courts news - latest updates in your inbox with our free newsletter
We all want to feel safe in our homes and streets.
So it's important to know what's going on and what is being done about it by police and the criminal justice system.
Large, highly populated urban areas like Birmingham and the wider West Midlands always have plenty happening with crime reports and court hearings.
You can get the very latest crime news as well as information on court cases in our BirminghamLive daily newsletter.
Sign up here or fill in the box at the top of the article.
It has all the latest updates from police and local magistrates courts and crown courts.
We also have a free app which you can download to get the most up-to-date news from across the region. Find it on Google Play Store and App Store


birminghammail--2020-08-08--West Brom keen to pip West Ham to Brighton defender - reports

West Bromwich Albion and Brighton have entered into talks over a proposed move for centre-back Shane Duffy , according to reports .
Baggies boss Slaven Bilic is a little short in central defence with Semi Ajayi , Kyle Bartley and Ahmed Hegazi his only real options .
Dara O'Shea flourished as a centre-back as he made his way through the Albion academy .
But the Irishman has revelled at right-back , nailing down the position ahead of Darnell Furlong , and is no longer viewed as a centre-back .
Bilic would dearly love a fourth centre-half , one who can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to his side .
And , according to Mail Online , the Croatian has identified Duffy as one such person with those attributes They claim Albion have held talks with representatives of the 28-year-old , who made 25 appearances last term for club and country .
Brighton are open to offers for the Republic of Ireland international after adding Joel Veltman , signed from Ajax , to a defensive roster that already included Lewis Dunk , Adam Webster and Ben White , who was outstanding on loan at Leeds United last season .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ham but boss David Moyes is reportedly restricted by a tight budget .
West Ham would need to sell before they can buy and interest in their fringe players is said to have been slow .
Forward Albian Ajeti , a target for the Baggies last summer , could be heading to Celtic on loan with view to a £5.5 million permanent deal .
West Brom are also among the clubs in for left-back Antonee Robinson whose excellent showings for Wigan Athletic last season attracted transfer interest from across Europe .
The 23-year-old @ @ @ @ @ @ @ move to Italian giants AC Milan in January , but the deal fell through when his medical examination revealed a heart rhythm irregularity .

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West Bromwich Albion and Brighton have entered into talks over a proposed move for centre-back Shane Duffy, according to reports.
Baggies boss Slaven Bilic is a little short in central defence with Semi Ajayi, Kyle Bartley and Ahmed Hegazi his only real options.
Dara O'Shea flourished as a centre-back as he made his way through the Albion academy.
But the Irishman has revelled at right-back, nailing down the position ahead of Darnell Furlong, and is no longer viewed as a centre-back.
Bilic would dearly love a fourth centre-half, one who can add gritty defending and Premier League nous to his side.
And, according to Mail Online, the Croatian has identified Duffy as one such person with those attributes
They claim Albion have held talks with representatives of the 28-year-old, who made 25 appearances last term for club and country.
Brighton are open to offers for the Republic of Ireland international after adding Joel Veltman, signed from Ajax, to a defensive roster that already included Lewis Dunk, Adam Webster and Ben White, who was outstanding on loan at Leeds United last season.
Duffy has also been considered by West Ham but boss David Moyes is reportedly restricted by a tight budget. West Ham would need to sell before they can buy and interest in their fringe players is said to have been slow.
Forward Albian Ajeti, a target for the Baggies last summer, could be heading to Celtic on loan with view to a £5.5 million permanent deal.
West Brom are also among the clubs in for left-back Antonee Robinson whose excellent showings for Wigan Athletic last season attracted transfer interest from across Europe.
The 23-year-old was due to complete a £10 million move to Italian giants AC Milan in January, but the deal fell through when his medical examination revealed a heart rhythm irregularity.


birminghammail--2020-08-08--Hunt on for 70 pub goers in Smethwick urged to self isolate after outbreak

An urgent appeal has gone out to find around 70 pub goers who attended a Smethwick pub barbecue after an outbreak of coronavirus .
Sandwell Council and Public Health England have issued an urgent appeal for customers to self-isolate after The Soho Foundry Tavern in Smethwick reported cases of coronavirus .
The pub , in Foundry Lane , closed voluntarily on Thursday , 6 August .
On the previous Sunday , 2 August , around 70 people attended a barbecue at the pub .
Three people who were there , including staff , have since tested positive .
Now public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were at the BBQ that they may have been exposed to the virus .
Anyone who was there should self-isolate until next Sunday , 16 August .
If they experience symptoms , such as a continuous cough , fever or change in taste or smell , they should book a test straight away .
This can be done by calling 119 or by visiting the nhs website Sandwell ’ s Deputy Council Leader Councillor Maria Crompton said : “ We urgently need to alert anyone who attended the event last weekend to self-isolate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have any symptoms they should book a test.
” “ Everyone needs to stay incredibly vigilant - the virus is still out there and the situation remains extremely serious – as this potential outbreak shows.
” Councillor Crompton said employers needed to play their part and be responsible too .
She said : “ I would like to ask employers to be supportive too – if someone needs to self-isolate for the required time to comply with the safety guidance , please do all you can to accommodate that .
“ Government guidance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ council also praised the landlady ’ s action in response to the situation .
Director of Public Health Dr Lisa McNally said : “ They did exactly what we would want business owners to do in this situation .
“ They voluntarily took the decision to close and contacted us for advice .
I would urge all businesses to do the same .
“ Pubs need to be very careful at this time to gather contact details of customers and ensure social distancing at all times . ''
Sandwell has been experiencing a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks , linked to workplaces and household outbreaks .
Only yesterday the council advised it was relaxing its coronavirus advice to residents after a 30 per cent fall in new cases over the last seven days .
The authority said that those shielding from Covid-19 across the borough do n't need to anymore after the number of new cases fell by a third .
But health chiefs are continuing to ask residents to not have visitors to their home - except for those in their `` bubble '' .
Advice on care home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remain closed to visits except for window visits and special arrangements for end of life visits .
More information on the coronavirus pandemic in Sandwell is on the council website here .
Sandwell Council will continue to offer help to anyone who still needs support at this time , visit the emergency help webpage or call 0121 569 2266

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An urgent appeal has gone out to find around 70 pub goers who attended a Smethwick pub barbecue after an outbreak of coronavirus.
Sandwell Council and Public Health England have issued an urgent appeal for customers to self-isolate after The Soho Foundry Tavern in Smethwick reported cases of coronavirus.
The pub, in Foundry Lane, closed voluntarily on Thursday, August 6.
On the previous Sunday, August 2 around 70 people attended a barbecue at the pub.
Three people who were there, including staff, have since tested positive.
Now public health chiefs are advising those people who were at the BBQ that they may have been exposed to the virus.
Anyone who was there should self-isolate until next Sunday, 16 August.
If they experience symptoms, such as a continuous cough, fever or change in taste or smell, they should book a test straight away.
This can be done by calling 119 or by visiting the nhs website
Sandwell’s Deputy Council Leader Councillor Maria Crompton said: “We urgently need to alert anyone who attended the event last weekend to self-isolate until Sunday 16 August. If they have any symptoms they should book a test.”
“Everyone needs to stay incredibly vigilant - the virus is still out there and the situation remains extremely serious – as this potential outbreak shows.”
Councillor Crompton said employers needed to play their part and be responsible too.
She said: “I would like to ask employers to be supportive too – if someone needs to self-isolate for the required time to comply with the safety guidance, please do all you can to accommodate that.
“Government guidance is available for employers here. "
The council also praised the landlady’s action in response to the situation.
Director of Public Health Dr Lisa McNally said: “They did exactly what we would want business owners to do in this situation.
“They voluntarily took the decision to close and contacted us for advice. I would urge all businesses to do the same.
“Pubs need to be very careful at this time to gather contact details of customers and ensure social distancing at all times."
Sandwell has been experiencing a flurry of spikes over the past three weeks, linked to workplaces and household outbreaks.
Only yesterday the council advised it was relaxing its coronavirus advice to residents after a 30 per cent fall in new cases over the last seven days.
The authority said that those shielding from Covid-19 across the borough don't need to anymore after the number of new cases fell by a third.
But health chiefs are continuing to ask residents to not have visitors to their home - except for those in their "bubble".
Advice on care home visits in Sandwell remains that they should remain closed to visits except for window visits and special arrangements for end of life visits.
More information on the coronavirus pandemic in Sandwell is on the council website here.
Sandwell Council will continue to offer help to anyone who still needs support at this time, visit the emergency help webpage or call 0121 569 2266


birminghammail--2020-08-08--Luiz, Trezeguet, Grealish - Updates on Aston Villa players linked with a move

Aston Villa secured Premier League survival by the skin of their teeth with a dramatic final-day draw at West Ham in July .
And while a second shot at the top flight puts Villa in a strong bargaining position with regards to keeping hold of their best players , that is by no means the be all and end all .
The lure of European football , playing with better players and in front of bigger crowds will inevitably appeal to the likes of Jack Grealish and Tyrone Mings , who have both been linked with Manchester United and Arsenal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every single member of Dean Smith 's squad so far linked with a move away in this summer transfer window .
Grealish , Villa 's captain fantastic and survival saviour , is inevitably attracting interest from outside the four corners of Villa Park .
The 24-year-old was the subject of speculation last summer , long before he chipped in with eight goals and six goals on his return to the top flight to nail down the tag as Villa 's most valuable player .
United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is a big fan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ score a screamer in Villa 's 2-2 draw at Old Trafford last December .
Arsenal are also keen though Villa are reportedly set to offer Grealish a bumper pay rise , from a reported £70,000-a-week to £100,000-a-week , to keep him at the club he supported as a boy .
Plenty of pundits and observers have opined on what they believe is right for the Englishman , including ex-Villa striker Darren Bent who ca n't really see a space for Grealish at one of last season 's top six .
With that in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extolled if he stayed , Bent reckons it would be in the midfielder 's best interests to stay at his boyhood club .
What is certain is that nothing will be resolved until the player returns from holiday .
Manchester City inserted a buy-back clause in the deal that took Luiz to Villa Park in the summer of 2019 .
Details of the clause remain undisclosed , but the buy-back is likely to be far higher than the fee Villa paid last summer and could be around £25 million .
City are blessed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but the departure of David Silva and Fernandinho ’ s 2021 contract expiry could prompt Pep Guardiola to search for new ( and old ) blood in the middle of the park .
He could have competition with Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta watching on intently .
Arteta worked with Luiz during his four years in Manchester .
It 's claimed he will use his connections at Eastlands to jump to the front of the queue for his signature .
The 27-year-old defender started the season like a house on fire .
So much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , rather than if , he would win his first England cap .
Not one , but two caps duly arrived as the centre-back took to the top flight with Villa and international football like a duck to water .
His form dipped after the restart , but there were still more positives than negatives and his stock was most certainly higher after the season finished than before it had started .
That 's sure how United and Arsenal see it .
And potentially Everton too , with the Merseyside club reportedly having @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this summer .
Mings was first linked with a summer move to Arsenal back in June while the 6ft 5ins defender is expected to move up United 's shopping list after Nathan Ake 's £40 million move to rivals Manchester City goes through .
Egyptian international Trezeguet has been linked with a potential summer move to Turkey , according to reports .
Trezeguet inspired Villa 's survival bid with three goals in the last three games of the season , including the all-important winner against Arsenal .
According to a report by Ertan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Başakşehir , Galatasaray and Fenerbahce - have contacted Trezeguet ’ s agent William D ’ Avila to prepare an offer for the Egyptian .
It 's claimed the trio would be looking to sign Trezeguet on loan .
The 25-year-old got his big break in England after a prolific spell with Turkish club Kasimpasa , scoring seven goals in his first season at Villa Park .
Linked with a £50 move to Manchester United last summer , McGinn is arguably the club 's most important player behind Grealish and possibly Tom Heaton .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a £30 million bid had Villa suffered relegation , but that prospect is no longer on the table , particularly with all the uncertainty surrounding Newcastle 's ownership presently .
Leicester might be the biggest threat with Brendan Rodgers a fan of the industrious Scot , who missed a chunk of the season with a fractured ankle .
Rodgers had attempted to sign McGinn when he was Rangers boss in 2018 , but the midfielder moved from Hibernian to Villa .
The Tanzanian arrived at Villa Park for €12m from Club Brugge last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appearances in the Premier League this season , starting 19 times .
But after an indifferent season , with consistency in performance a major problem , he could be on his way already .
Turkish club Trabzonspor are said to be keen on a loan move .
Want the biggest Villa stories straight to your inbox ?
Sign up at the top of this story or follow the instructions here The winger , signed from bitter rivals Birmingham City last summer , was reportedly considered as a loan option by Celtic , Fulham @ @ @ @ @ @ @ window .
Little has emerged of late , but Smith would almost certainly listen to offers for the diminutive Spaniard , who was restricted to two cameos as substitute after the restart .
Hogan rediscovered his Brentford form while on loan at Birmingham City last season .
Quite whether the Irishman 's tally of nine goals in 18 Championship games is enough to convince Smith Hogan is ready for the top flight is another thing .
Given his popularity among the supporters , and the partnership he struck up with Lukas Jutkiewicz , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new Blues boss Aitor Karanka not to make a play for Hogan 's return to St Andrew 's .
However , Blues might just have dropped a hint that Hogan wo n't be returning to St Andrew 's by tweeting footage of his goals in royal blue with the caption 'all the best for your future ' .
The trail has gone cold on Nyland since he was linked with Turkish giants Besiktas in April .
In many respects little has changed for the Norwegian .
Pepe Reina has gone back to Spain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Wolves , but Nyland is still likely to find himself down the pecking order next season and may want a new challenge that guarantees more first-team action .
Jed Steer has now recovered from the Achilles injury that ruled him out of much of the last campaign and first-choice stopper Tom Heaton is thought to be nearing the final stages of his rehabilitation from a cruciate ligament injury .
Besiktas want a goalkeeper to replace Loris Karius , who returned to Liverpool after a two-year loan , and Nyland could fit the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the more fanciful rumours doing the round while the season took a backseat during the early stages of lockdown .
Needless to say there have n't been many developments on that one since the speculation surfaced in early April .
The 22-year-old was a consistent pick for Graeme Jones and then Nathan Jones during his season on loan at Luton Town .
Hatters fans have made it known they would like to see Bree back at Kenilworth Road next season , even if just on loan .
And it 's thought Nathan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he looks to build a squad that can once again keeps its head above water in the Championship .

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Aston Villa secured Premier League survival by the skin of their teeth with a dramatic final-day draw at West Ham in July.
And while a second shot at the top flight puts Villa in a strong bargaining position with regards to keeping hold of their best players, that is by no means the be all and end all.
The lure of European football, playing with better players and in front of bigger crowds will inevitably appeal to the likes of Jack Grealish and Tyrone Mings, who have both been linked with Manchester United and Arsenal.
Here we provide the latest on every single member of Dean Smith's squad so far linked with a move away in this summer transfer window.
Jack Grealish
Grealish, Villa's captain fantastic and survival saviour, is inevitably attracting interest from outside the four corners of Villa Park.
The 24-year-old was the subject of speculation last summer, long before he chipped in with eight goals and six goals on his return to the top flight to nail down the tag as Villa's most valuable player.
United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is a big fan of the Solihull schemer after watching him score a screamer in Villa's 2-2 draw at Old Trafford last December.
Arsenal are also keen though Villa are reportedly set to offer Grealish a bumper pay rise, from a reported £70,000-a-week to £100,000-a-week, to keep him at the club he supported as a boy.
Plenty of pundits and observers have opined on what they believe is right for the Englishman, including ex-Villa striker Darren Bent who can't really see a space for Grealish at one of last season's top six.
With that in mind, and how Grealish would be extolled if he stayed, Bent reckons it would be in the midfielder's best interests to stay at his boyhood club.
What is certain is that nothing will be resolved until the player returns from holiday.
Douglas Luiz
Manchester City inserted a buy-back clause in the deal that took Luiz to Villa Park in the summer of 2019.
Details of the clause remain undisclosed, but the buy-back is likely to be far higher than the fee Villa paid last summer and could be around £25 million.
City are blessed with an array of midfield talent, but the departure of David Silva and Fernandinho’s 2021 contract expiry could prompt Pep Guardiola to search for new (and old) blood in the middle of the park.
(Image: Photo by James Williamson - AMA/Getty Images)
He could have competition with Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta watching on intently.
Arteta worked with Luiz during his four years in Manchester. It's claimed he will use his connections at Eastlands to jump to the front of the queue for his signature.
Tyrone Mings
The 27-year-old defender started the season like a house on fire. So much so it was a case of when, rather than if, he would win his first England cap.
Not one, but two caps duly arrived as the centre-back took to the top flight with Villa and international football like a duck to water.
His form dipped after the restart, but there were still more positives than negatives and his stock was most certainly higher after the season finished than before it had started.
That's sure how United and Arsenal see it. And potentially Everton too, with the Merseyside club reportedly having made contact with Mings' representatives earlier this summer.
Mings was first linked with a summer move to Arsenal back in June while the 6ft 5ins defender is expected to move up United's shopping list after Nathan Ake's £40 million move to rivals Manchester City goes through.
Trezeguet
Egyptian international Trezeguet has been linked with a potential summer move to Turkey, according to reports.
Trezeguet inspired Villa's survival bid with three goals in the last three games of the season, including the all-important winner against Arsenal.
According to a report by Ertan Süzgün, three Turkish sides - Istanbul Başakşehir, Galatasaray and Fenerbahce - have contacted Trezeguet’s agent William D’Avila to prepare an offer for the Egyptian.
It's claimed the trio would be looking to sign Trezeguet on loan. The 25-year-old got his big break in England after a prolific spell with Turkish club Kasimpasa, scoring seven goals in his first season at Villa Park.
John McGinn
Linked with a £50 move to Manchester United last summer, McGinn is arguably the club's most important player behind Grealish and possibly Tom Heaton.
Steve Bruce was reportedly ready to make a £30 million bid had Villa suffered relegation, but that prospect is no longer on the table, particularly with all the uncertainty surrounding Newcastle's ownership presently.
Leicester might be the biggest threat with Brendan Rodgers a fan of the industrious Scot, who missed a chunk of the season with a fractured ankle.
Rodgers had attempted to sign McGinn when he was Rangers boss in 2018, but the midfielder moved from Hibernian to Villa.
Marvelous Nakamba
The Tanzanian arrived at Villa Park for €12m from Club Brugge last summer, going on to make 29 appearances in the Premier League this season, starting 19 times.
But after an indifferent season, with consistency in performance a major problem, he could be on his way already. Turkish club Trabzonspor are said to be keen on a loan move.
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Jota
The winger, signed from bitter rivals Birmingham City last summer, was reportedly considered as a loan option by Celtic, Fulham and Nottingham Forest in the winter transfer window.
Little has emerged of late, but Smith would almost certainly listen to offers for the diminutive Spaniard, who was restricted to two cameos as substitute after the restart.
Scott Hogan
Hogan rediscovered his Brentford form while on loan at Birmingham City last season.
Quite whether the Irishman's tally of nine goals in 18 Championship games is enough to convince Smith Hogan is ready for the top flight is another thing.
(Image: Aston Villa FC via Getty Images)
Given his popularity among the supporters, and the partnership he struck up with Lukas Jutkiewicz, it would be a PR disaster for new Blues boss Aitor Karanka not to make a play for Hogan's return to St Andrew's.
However, Blues might just have dropped a hint that Hogan won't be returning to St Andrew's by tweeting footage of his goals in royal blue with the caption 'all the best for your future'.
Orjan Nyland
The trail has gone cold on Nyland since he was linked with Turkish giants Besiktas in April.
In many respects little has changed for the Norwegian. Pepe Reina has gone back to Spain, and Matija Sarkic has been sold to Wolves, but Nyland is still likely to find himself down the pecking order next season and may want a new challenge that guarantees more first-team action.
Jed Steer has now recovered from the Achilles injury that ruled him out of much of the last campaign and first-choice stopper Tom Heaton is thought to be nearing the final stages of his rehabilitation from a cruciate ligament injury.
Besiktas want a goalkeeper to replace Loris Karius, who returned to Liverpool after a two-year loan, and Nyland could fit the bill.
Matt Targett
Targett to Chelsea was one of the more fanciful rumours doing the round while the season took a backseat during the early stages of lockdown.
Needless to say there haven't been many developments on that one since the speculation surfaced in early April.
James Bree
The 22-year-old was a consistent pick for Graeme Jones and then Nathan Jones during his season on loan at Luton Town.
Hatters fans have made it known they would like to see Bree back at Kenilworth Road next season, even if just on loan.
And it's thought Nathan Jones is in the same camp as he looks to build a squad that can once again keeps its head above water in the Championship.


birminghammail--2020-08-08--Gollini injury could scupper transfer amid shock Villa links

Pierluigi Gollini has developed into one of Europe 's most promising goalkeepers since quitting Aston Villa .
The Italian goalkeeper joined Villa in the summer of 2016 but was quickly shipped out by Steve Bruce after a string of high profile errors in the Championship .
Atalanta snapped up Gollini in a deal worth just over £3million and he 's become a mainstay in a side which narrowly missed out on the Serie A title .
Atalanta will soon face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League quarter-finals too .
Gollini was somewhat bizarrely linked with a return to Villa Park @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tottenham Hotspur and AC Milan are all interested in the 25-year-old .
Villa already have Tom Heaton , Orjan Nyland , Jed Steer and Lovre Kalinic on their books , though the latter has been deemed surplus to requirements by head coach Dean Smith .
Pepe Reina filled in for the injured Heaton in the second half of the Premier League season but has since returned to parent club AC Milan .
It 's been claimed Villa could look to bring Reina back permanently but a deal has n't yet developed .
Even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bringing Gollini back to Birmingham , a long-term injury lay-off looks set to scupper any move for the goalkeeper in the current transfer window .
In a lengthy post on Instagram , Gollini confirmed he faces almost two months on the sidelines after spraining his knee in Atalanta 's final day defeat to Inter Milan .
He said : `` I tried to push in the past few days but I felt that something was wrong .
And yesterday has confirmed this .
`` There is an injury that was previously not possible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I will be out for a little less than two months , but now the stop is mandatory .
I 'm sorry .
`` For my injury but above all for not being able to defend Atalanta .
Sad but positive .
Sad and by your side .
I will be a fan once more . ''

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Pierluigi Gollini has developed into one of Europe's most promising goalkeepers since quitting Aston Villa.
The Italian goalkeeper joined Villa in the summer of 2016 but was quickly shipped out by Steve Bruce after a string of high profile errors in the Championship.
Atalanta snapped up Gollini in a deal worth just over £3million and he's become a mainstay in a side which narrowly missed out on the Serie A title. Atalanta will soon face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League quarter-finals too.
Gollini was somewhat bizarrely linked with a return to Villa Park recently with Football Italia suggesting Villa, Tottenham Hotspur and AC Milan are all interested in the 25-year-old.
Villa already have Tom Heaton, Orjan Nyland, Jed Steer and Lovre Kalinic on their books, though the latter has been deemed surplus to requirements by head coach Dean Smith.
Pepe Reina filled in for the injured Heaton in the second half of the Premier League season but has since returned to parent club AC Milan. It's been claimed Villa could look to bring Reina back permanently but a deal hasn't yet developed.
Even if Villa do hold an interest in bringing Gollini back to Birmingham, a long-term injury lay-off looks set to scupper any move for the goalkeeper in the current transfer window.
In a lengthy post on Instagram, Gollini confirmed he faces almost two months on the sidelines after spraining his knee in Atalanta's final day defeat to Inter Milan.
He said: "I tried to push in the past few days but I felt that something was wrong. And yesterday has confirmed this.
"There is an injury that was previously not possible to see due to the post-trauma fluid. I will be out for a little less than two months, but now the stop is mandatory. I'm sorry.
"For my injury but above all for not being able to defend Atalanta. Sad but positive. Sad and by your side. I will be a fan once more."


birminghammail--2020-08-08--Aston Villa hold 'huge advantage' in Leeds transfer battle

Michael Brown thinks Dean Smith ’ s relationship with Brentford duo Said Benrahma and Ollie Watkins could hand Aston Villa an advantage in the upcoming transfer window .
Football Insider reported earlier in the week that Villa were looking to complete a deal for the highly-rated pair , thought to be around £50m .
Smith was in charge of the Bees up until 2018 , and had both Watkins and Benrahma at his disposal at Griffin Park .
The Villa boss was working for Sky Sports as he watched his former side get beat by Fulham in the Championship play-off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Brown , believes that the relationship that Smith has with the Brentford attacking pair could prove beneficial for Villa in the transfer window .
Brown told Football Insider : “ I was pitchside next to Dean Smith , he couldn ’ t have got a better view .
“ I thought Benrahma started the game very well , he ’ s got great talent .
It didn ’ t really work for Ollie Watkins but they ’ ve both been wonderful this season in that front three for Brentford .
“ He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help him .
It gives you confidence when you ’ ve already worked with someone and know they trust you and like you .
“ So it ’ s a huge advantage that the manager knows them .
”

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk ( Bobby Vincent, Elliott Jackson)

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Michael Brown thinks Dean Smith’s relationship with Brentford duo Said Benrahma and Ollie Watkins could hand Aston Villa an advantage in the upcoming transfer window.
Football Insider reported earlier in the week that Villa were looking to complete a deal for the highly-rated pair, thought to be around £50m.
Smith was in charge of the Bees up until 2018, and had both Watkins and Benrahma at his disposal at Griffin Park.
The Villa boss was working for Sky Sports as he watched his former side get beat by Fulham in the Championship play-off final.
Former Leeds and Tottenham midfielder, Brown, believes that the relationship that Smith has with the Brentford attacking pair could prove beneficial for Villa in the transfer window.
Brown told Football Insider: “I was pitchside next to Dean Smith, he couldn’t have got a better view.
“I thought Benrahma started the game very well, he’s got great talent. It didn’t really work for Ollie Watkins but they’ve both been wonderful this season in that front three for Brentford.
“He knows Brentford inside out so that will help him. It gives you confidence when you’ve already worked with someone and know they trust you and like you.
“So it’s a huge advantage that the manager knows them.”


birminghammail--2020-08-08--'He'd be a god' - Aston Villa's Jack Grealish urged to stay

Jack Grealish , Aston Villa 's captain fantastic and survival saviour , continues to attract transfer attention from some of the country 's biggest clubs .
Villa owners Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens have slapped an £80 million price tag on the 24-year-old playmaker after he fired Villa to safety on the final day against West Ham .
Manchester United have long held an interest in Grealish , with Ole Gunnar Solsjkaer keen to add to his pool of top young talent .
Sign up for our Villa newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appears to have cooled in light of Villa 's lofty valuation , although United are by no means out of the running .
Manchester City , Liverpool and Arsenal have also been credited with an interest in the Solihull whizz .
Grealish impressed all season long upon his and Villa 's return to the Premier League , scoring eight goals and registering six assists .
Rumours about his future at Villa continue to swirl - and here 's everything that has been said so far ... Ex-Aston Villa striker Darren Bent has urged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is and become a deity to be worshipped by fans .
Grealish already has cult status with fans , as a local lad and lifelong supporter , not to mention the team 's creative heartbeat and go-to guy for inspiration .
But Bent reckons he would move up another level in terms of his standing with the claret and blue faithful if he ignored external advances to remain at B6 .
`` Honestly , at the minute he needs to weigh up and think about where he ’ s going to go , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He could stay at Villa where he ’ s the captain , the main man and his boyhood club and he knows he ’ d be a god if he was to stay . ''
With Tottenham estimating the coronavirus pandemic has cost them in the region of £200million , the north London club are expected to utilise free transfers , loans and swap deals this summer .
Former Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen has hinted that a move for a player like Jack Grealish , should not be a priority this summer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ linked with a move for the Aston Villa talisman , with the 24-year-old believed to be on his transfer wishlist .
It has been reported that United attempted to sort a financial package for Grealish earlier this summer , with his boyhood club standing firm on their £80m valuation .
Villa 's hopes of keeping their star man have of course been boosted , with their Premier League survival secured last month .
However , it is believed that Red Devils bosses are keeping tabs on Grealish , with their pursuit of Jadon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ performances for Aston Villa this season have earned him a place on the shortlist for the Premier League Young Player of the Season award based on perfornances during the 19/20 top flight season .
Villa captain Grealish - 24 - earned the nomination thanks to his last-day efforts that helped Villa successfully stay in the Premier League , as well as the seven goals and six assists that helped Villa stay above water during the season .
Trent Alexander-Arnold , Mason Greenwood , Dean Henderson , Anthony Martial , Mason Mount , Christian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remaining seven players in contention for this season 's Premier League TAG Heuer Young Player of the Season award .
Manchester United have their front-three included for nomination , while Grealish is the only player outside the top-half to be nominated for the award .
Andros Townsend has claimed Manchester United risk 'upsetting the dressing room ' by splashing the cash on the likes of Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish this summer .
United are known to be admirers of the playmaker , who played a vital role in Villa 's Premier League @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 36 games .
It has been claimed for several months Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 's side are preparing a bid , although Villa are thought be standing firmly by their £80m valuation of the 24-year-old .
Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho is also a target for United but Crystal Palace winger Townsend believes the eye-watering finances involved in such deals could cause controversy .
Manchester United are biding their time in their pursuit of Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish .
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is known to be an admirer of Grealish and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a transfer to Old Trafford since the turn of the year .
United are prioritising a move for Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho though , which has cast doubt over where Grealish will start the new season .
Manchester United legend Gary Neville has questioned whether his old club actually need Jack Grealish .
The Aston Villa playmaker has been strongly linked with a move to Old Trafford this season after helping his boyhood club stay in the Premier League .
But with the emergence of January signing Bruno Fernandes at Man United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ playmaker ?
Neville does n't think so , telling the Webby & O'Neill podcast : `` People are talking about Grealish , but now with [ Bruno ] Fernandes in there , do we need another number 10 ? ''
What Jack Grealish has said On Twitter he posted a photo of him with his fingers in his ears as if to say he was blocking out all the noisy transfer speculation .
If ever a picture said a thousand words .
The post came after Grealish had emphasised in a tweet just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him .
`` What a day , '' he wrote .
`` Keeping my club in the premier league for another year .
MY club . ''
What Dean Smith has said Head coach Dean Smith spoke about Grealish 's future just moments after he guided Villa to safety .
After the West Ham heroics , the pair headed off for the team 's survival party at The Belfry - and here 's what Smith said .
`` He goes out and gets drunk with me , that 's what happens now .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ down with the owners and the chief exec . ''
Asked if Villa can keep hold of their star player , Smith added : `` No idea .
Like I said , I 'll get drunk with him .
I 'm certainly hopeful .
He 's contracted for another three or four years .
`` I 've said many times before , we 've got billionaire owners and , for clubs to get the best players , they cost an awful lot of money .
`` He 's an Aston Villa fan and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the goal today because he managed to keep us in the Premier League . ''

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Jack Grealish, Aston Villa's captain fantastic and survival saviour, continues to attract transfer attention from some of the country's biggest clubs.
Villa owners Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens have slapped an £80 million price tag on the 24-year-old playmaker after he fired Villa to safety on the final day against West Ham.
Manchester United have long held an interest in Grealish, with Ole Gunnar Solsjkaer keen to add to his pool of top young talent.
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Solsjkaer's interest appears to have cooled in light of Villa's lofty valuation, although United are by no means out of the running.
Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal have also been credited with an interest in the Solihull whizz.
Grealish impressed all season long upon his and Villa's return to the Premier League, scoring eight goals and registering six assists.
Rumours about his future at Villa continue to swirl - and here's everything that has been said so far...
Stay put
Ex-Aston Villa striker Darren Bent has urged Jack Grealish to stay exactly where he is and become a deity to be worshipped by fans.
Grealish already has cult status with fans, as a local lad and lifelong supporter, not to mention the team's creative heartbeat and go-to guy for inspiration.
But Bent reckons he would move up another level in terms of his standing with the claret and blue faithful if he ignored external advances to remain at B6.
"Honestly, at the minute he needs to weigh up and think about where he’s going to go," Bent told Football Insider.
"He could stay at Villa where he’s the captain, the main man and his boyhood club and he knows he’d be a god if he was to stay."
With Tottenham estimating the coronavirus pandemic has cost them in the region of £200million, the north London club are expected to utilise free transfers, loans and swap deals this summer.
Coach's call
Former Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen has hinted that a move for a player like Jack Grealish, should not be a priority this summer.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been extensively linked with a move for the Aston Villa talisman, with the 24-year-old believed to be on his transfer wishlist.
It has been reported that United attempted to sort a financial package for Grealish earlier this summer, with his boyhood club standing firm on their £80m valuation.
Villa's hopes of keeping their star man have of course been boosted, with their Premier League survival secured last month.
However, it is believed that Red Devils bosses are keeping tabs on Grealish, with their pursuit of Jadon Sancho still ongoing.
Read more here.
Award nod
Jack Grealish's performances for Aston Villa this season have earned him a place on the shortlist for the Premier League Young Player of the Season award based on perfornances during the 19/20 top flight season.
Villa captain Grealish - 24 - earned the nomination thanks to his last-day efforts that helped Villa successfully stay in the Premier League, as well as the seven goals and six assists that helped Villa stay above water during the season.
Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mason Greenwood, Dean Henderson, Anthony Martial, Mason Mount, Christian Pulisic and Marchus Rashford make up the remaining seven players in contention for this season's Premier League TAG Heuer Young Player of the Season award.
Manchester United have their front-three included for nomination, while Grealish is the only player outside the top-half to be nominated for the award.
Read more here.
Upset the apple cart
Andros Townsend has claimed Manchester United risk 'upsetting the dressing room' by splashing the cash on the likes of Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish this summer.
United are known to be admirers of the playmaker, who played a vital role in Villa's Premier League survival with eight goals and six assists in 36 games.
It has been claimed for several months Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side are preparing a bid, although Villa are thought be standing firmly by their £80m valuation of the 24-year-old.
Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho is also a target for United but Crystal Palace winger Townsend believes the eye-watering finances involved in such deals could cause controversy.
Read more here.
A waiting game
Manchester United are biding their time in their pursuit of Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is known to be an admirer of Grealish and the 24-year-old playmaker has been extensively linked with a transfer to Old Trafford since the turn of the year.
(Image: Andy Rain/Pool/AFP/Getty Images)
United are prioritising a move for Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho though, which has cast doubt over where Grealish will start the new season.
Read more here.
Number 10 frowning street
Manchester United legend Gary Neville has questioned whether his old club actually need Jack Grealish.
The Aston Villa playmaker has been strongly linked with a move to Old Trafford this season after helping his boyhood club stay in the Premier League.
But with the emergence of January signing Bruno Fernandes at Man United, do the Reds really need another playmaker?
Neville doesn't think so, telling the Webby & O'Neill podcast: "People are talking about Grealish, but now with [Bruno] Fernandes in there, do we need another number 10?"
Read more here.
What Jack Grealish has said
Grealish delighted many Villa fans with a recent social media post.
On Twitter he posted a photo of him with his fingers in his ears as if to say he was blocking out all the noisy transfer speculation. If ever a picture said a thousand words.
The post came after Grealish had emphasised in a tweet just how much Villa's survival meant to him.
"What a day," he wrote. "Keeping my club in the premier league for another year. MY club."
What Dean Smith has said
Head coach Dean Smith spoke about Grealish's future just moments after he guided Villa to safety.
After the West Ham heroics, the pair headed off for the team's survival party at The Belfry - and here's what Smith said.
"He goes out and gets drunk with me, that's what happens now. Then, tomorrow, I'll sit down with the owners and the chief exec."
(Image: PA Images)
Asked if Villa can keep hold of their star player, Smith added: "No idea. Like I said, I'll get drunk with him. I'm certainly hopeful. He's contracted for another three or four years.
"I've said many times before, we've got billionaire owners and, for clubs to get the best players, they cost an awful lot of money.
"He's an Aston Villa fan and he'll be immensely proud he scored the goal today because he managed to keep us in the Premier League."
More HERE