Aston Villa news

Philippe Coutinho has reportedly asked to terminate his contract with Brazilian side Vasco da Gama. The former Liverpool, Barcelona and Bayern Munich star returned to his hometown club in 2024 after spending time back in England with Aston Villa. However, he is said to have been targeted by Vasco's fans and is keen to explore potential playing opportunities elsewhere.

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

Here’s how you can book tickets to some of the enthralling upcoming Europa League fixtures