Aston Villa news

Manchester United have made a final decision on Jadon Sancho's future amid an underwhelming loan spell at Aston Villa. Sancho was shipped out on loan to Chelsea last season but the Blues ended up paying a penalty fee to send him back to Old Trafford. Another loan spell has followed in the current campaign but Sancho is once again struggling to impress.

Jhon Duran’s career continues to be a whirlwind of goals and controversy, with his latest chapter in Russia starting in explosive fashion. The former Aston Villa striker, who recently completed a loan move to Zenit St Petersburg, found himself in the referee's notebook just five minutes into his debut for the club. It was a baptism of fire for the Colombian international, whose reputation for high-intensity play and occasional loss of discipline preceded him to his new surroundings. The 22-year-old was named in the starting XI for a pre-season friendly against Shanghai Port, a match intended to integrate him into the squad. However, the "friendly" nature of the contest was quickly forgotten when Duran became embroiled in a physical altercation with an opposition defender while chasing a long ball. The forward appeared to lose his composure during a battle for possession, leading to a confrontation that left spectators and officials stunned by its intensity so early in the game.

One regular weekend of refereeing, that's all we ask for. Will never happen. At least not in the current climate - because if the fourth round of the FA Cup taught us anything, it's that the absence of VAR definitely doesn't mean an absence of controversy. The first half of the Aston Villa-Newcastle game alone made a compelling case for the continued use of technology for offside decisions and penalty claims.

Jadon Sancho and his rap star girlfriend Saweetie have made their first public appearance together. The Manchester United-owned winger, who is taking in a loan spell at Aston Villa, has been romantically linked to the American musician for some time. Their relationship has remained under wraps, but they have now stepped out holding hands during a trip to France.

Guide to the FA Cup fifth round draw, including when it is, how to watch it live, the teams involved and more

Wayne Rooney launched a scathing attack on the standard of officiating in the FA Cup on Saturday, as Newcastle United overcame Aston Villa 3-1 in the fourth round despite multiple game-changing decisions going against them in the absence of VAR. The former Manchester United striker was particularly critical of a decision which saw a free kick given for a Lucas Digne handball which was clearly 'three yards inside' the penalty area.

Still just 22 years old, Jhon Duran has joined the sixth club of his increasingly nomadic career and his third in the space of just 12 months, making the controversial decision to head to Russia and sign for Zenit St Petersburg. It is a little over a year since the former Aston Villa hitman was being linked with European giants Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Chelsea, but after spells in Saudi Arabia and Turkey, the striker is already drifting further into obscurity.

How to watch the FA Cup match between Aston Villa and Newcastle United, as well as kick-off time and team news

Michael Owen has explained to GOAL how Thomas Tuchel could work Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers into the same starting XI, rather than having to pick between two creative playmakers. The Three Lions are blessed with an abundance of options in the No.10 role, with the race on to nail down that berth ahead of a quest for global glory being opened this summer.

How to watch the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Brighton, as well as kick-off time and team news.

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has urged Liverpool to change the terms of their loan agreement for Harvey Elliott. The midfielder swapped Anfield for Villa Park in the summer on a temporary deal which includes a clause that ensures a purchase option is triggered if he makes 10 appearances for the Midlands club. Emery admits the clause means he's been reluctant to use Elliott and is hoping a new agreement can be found.

How to watch the Premier League match between Bournemouth and Aston Villa, as well as kick-off time and team news.

Arsenal and Man City are set to claim the top two spots in the Premier League, with Aston Villa likely to claim third. Who could take fourth?