Aston Villa today dismissed speculation that Nathan Delfouneso will join Sunderland in the transfer window.

Three Black Country amateurs will be gunning for a place in the ABA Novice national championship finals.

Wolves right-back Richard Stearman could be fit for the clash against Sunderland in nine days’ time – after initially being ruled out for four weeks with a broken wrist.

Aston Villa captain Stiliyan Petrov today revealed team-mate Darren Bent was “hurt” by the hostile reaction he received against former club Sunderland.

Stiliyan Petrov scored one goal and set up another as Aston Villa twice threw away the lead at Sunderland.

Boss Alex McLeish tried to bring Sebastian Larsson to Aston Villa after the midfielder quit Birmingham.

Aston Villa striker Darren Bent will keep his emotions under wraps if he scores on his return to Sunderland.

Aston Villa utility man Chris Herd will be available for trip to Sunderland at the weekend after the FA today rescinded the red card he picked up against West Brom.

West Brom boss Roy Hodgson has launched a staunch defence of Steven Reid after he was accused of acting “like a girl” by Sunderland midfielder Lee Cattermole.

James McFadden has left Wolves as he considers other offers following a successful trial.