midfielder Mateo Kovacic is attracting strong interest from Aston Villa, West Ham United as the January transfer window is approaching, according to the Caughtoffside. The Croatian international, who joined City from in 2023 has struggled to secure consistent minutes under Pep Guardiola after injuries disrupted his first full season at the Etihad.

The 23-year-old is part of the BlueCo group and is being lined up by Enzo Maresca's side for a move to Stamford Bridge. However, Aston Villa fancy their chances of hijacking that deal, and also beating Brighton, who are also interested in signing the player, to a deal.

Aston Villa could not escape the colours red and yellow. They were everywhere. Go Ahead Eagles flags on shops, pubs, restaurants, walls and houses across the city. Red and yellow luminous lights brightened subways and tunnels, while flares of the same shades were thrown into the streets of the city centre.

Aston Villa are closing in on a full agreement with one of their most important players, who was targeted by Everton over the summer transfer window.

Go Ahead Eagles vs. Aston Villa will air in the US on Paramount Plus. Aston Villa could move to the top of the UEFA Europa League standings today with a trip to the Netherlands to take on a Go Ahead Eagles team that has already shown it can punch above its weight in this tournament.

Nottingham Forest hosts Porto in the Europa League later on Thursday, just two days after Sean Dyche became the club’s third manager of the season. Struggling Forest is hoping for its first win in the competition.

Israeli soccer club Maccabi Tel Aviv have said they will not accept ticket allocation from Aston Villa, following the news that their fans have been banned by local authorities in England from attending a Europa League game at Aston Villa next month because of security concerns.

Pep Guardiola is preparing his Manchester City side for what he believes is one of their toughest away assignments of the season at Aston Villa. City face Unai Emery’s team at Villa Park on Sunday hoping to extend their run of nine games unbeaten in all competitions.