Real Madrid finally ended their three-year wait for a trophy —- and then immediately broke it.

Sevilla are preparing a second bid for Albion midfielder Borja Valero – but the Spaniards are drawing up a list of alternative targets.

The Express & Star has teamed up with the one and only Ron Atkinson who tells us his tips for what’s hot and what’s not in the World Cup.

Striker John Carew will be reunited with former club Valencia after Villa announced they will face the Spanish giants in a pre-season friendly.

Albion will play Spanish top-flight outfit Osasuna in their final pre-season friendly at the Hawthorns on Saturday August 7.

Albion are hopeful of signing Pablo Ibanez in the next few days after beating off a last-ditch effort by Celtic to snap up Steven Reid.

Albion boss Roberto Di Matteo has targeted a strengthened ‘spine’ to his team as the Baggies continued talking to Spain international Pablo Ibanez.

­He’s already done it for his club – now Villa midfielder James Milner is confident he could fill Gareth Barry’s boots for his country.

Villa favourite Ian Taylor believes the club’s latest meeting with Gareth Barry could prove to their former star that the grass is not always greener on the other side.

Villa favourite Ian Taylor believes this Sunday’s Second City showdown visit of Birmingham may be one of the most important of all time for the home team.