Villa have been linked with a move for Bulgaria winger Martin Petrov following his release by Premier League rivals Manchester City.

Villa manager Martin O’Neill has taken the first step towards a summer-clear out at the club by putting six players up for sale.

Former Villa and Chelsea forward Tony Cascarino has urged the claret and blues to ban any talk of their Stamford Bridge massacre ahead of Saturday’s rematch.

Villa’s weary players have turned down the chance of a sunshine break in Portugal this week to rest up at home.

Villa have been boosted by the news Nigel Reo-Coker and Marlon Harewood are both ahead of schedule in their recoveries from injury.

Villa skipper Stiliyan Petrov is a major doubt for Sunday’s trip to Crystal Palace after joining the mounting list of casualties at the club.

Villa manager Martin O’Neill takes his team to Tottenham for a top-four showdown insisting his players versatility has been the key to their success this season.

Villa favourite Ian Taylor gives his take on the ‘grapple-gate’ storm and the Sol Campbell merry go-round as focus shifts towards the weekend.

Villa skipper-elect Stiliyan Petrov has declared he is ready to lead the club into the new Premier League season.

Villa manager Martin O’Neill has vehemently denied the club will allow young striker Nathan Delfouneso to go out on loan.