Aston

Follow our live build-up, with full team news coverage, ahead of our comprehensive text commentary stream.

Aston Martin committed a procedural breach of Formula 1’s cost-cap regulations through a late submission of their documentation for the 2024 season.

The offence happened because the person at the independent company used by Aston Martin who was required to sign the submission was unwell at the time of the deadline on 31 March 2025.

The accounts were finished at the time, and the team did not exceed the cost cap.

Aston Martin have received no punishment from the FIA, but have been required to meet the costs incurred by F1’s governing body in preparing the team’s “accepted breach agreement”.

An FIA statement read: “Although Aston Martin Racing has been found to be in procedural breach, it has not exceeded the cost-cap level, and the procedural breach was of a very minor nature, originated by unpredictable circumstances outside the control of the F1 team.”

It added: “Aston Martin did not gain or seek to gain any advantage from the commission of the procedural breach at issue.”

Aston Martin submitted its draft documentation before the deadline, just not the finalised signed papers.

All nine other teams were found to be in compliance with the cost cap, as were all five engine manufacturers.

The 2024 cost-cap regulations defined a maximum spend per team of $135m (£106.375m).

A number of costs are excluded from the cap, including the salaries of drivers and the three top executives, and marketing spending.

Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv say they will not accept any ticket allocation from Aston Villa should the decision to ban their supporters from next month’s Europa League match be overturned.

Birmingham’s Safety Advisory Group (SAG) – the body responsible for issuing safety certificates for matches – last week informed Villa no travelling fans would be permitted at the match in the city.

The decision was widely condemned, with Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy pledging that the government will “find the resources” to allow Maccabi fans to attend earlier on Monday.

But Maccabi Tel Aviv now say supporters will not travel for safety reasons – that “a toxic atmosphere has been created which makes the safety of our fans wishing to attend very much in doubt”.

A club statement said, external: “The wellbeing and safety of our fans is paramount, and from hard lessons learned we have taken the decision to decline any allocation offered on behalf of away fans and our decision should be understood in that context.

“We hope that circumstances will change and look forward to being able to play in Birmingham in a sporting environment in the near future.”

“We are deeply saddened Maccabi Tel Aviv have turned down their away fan allocation but we respect their right to do so,” a government spokesperson said.

They added it was “completely unacceptable” that the match has been “weaponised to stoke violence and fear by those who seek to divide us”.

“The government has been working around the clock to defend a basic principle – that football fans should be able to enjoy a game without fear of intimidation or violence.”

On Thursday, West Midlands Police said it had classified the fixture as “high risk” based on current intelligence and previous incidents, including “violent clashes and hate crime offences” between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv fans before a match in Amsterdam, in November 2024.

Nandy said ministers were working together to fund any necessary policing operation to allow away fans to attend, and the SAG would review the decision if West Midlands Police changed its risk assessment.

Nandy said the matter was wider than matchday security, adding it came “against the backdrop of rising antisemitism here and across the world, and an attack on a synagogue in Manchester in which two innocent men were killed”.

On Sunday, the Israeli Premier League derby between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv was cancelled before kick-off, after what police described as “public disorder and violent riots”.

Maccabi say the decision to call that game off was not down to their supporters and thanked the UK government for its efforts.

They said: “We believe that football should be about bringing people together not driving them apart.

“Our fans regularly travel all over Europe without incident and to suggest that the reason our fans cannot be allowed to travel is due to their behaviour is an attempt to distort reality.

“We acknowledge the efforts of the UK government and police to ensure both sets of fans can attend the match safely, and are grateful for the messages of support from across the footballing community.”

Aston Villa previously told their matchday stewards they did not have to work at the Maccabi Tel Aviv fixture, saying they understood some “may have concerns”.

Following Thursday’s announcement by the club about the impending fixture, Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the move “wrong” and said: “We will not tolerate antisemitism on our streets.”

The government has said it is “doing everything in our power” to overturn a ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans attending a football match in Birmingham and is exploring what additional resources could be required.

On Thursday, Aston Villa said the city’s Safety Advisory Group (SAG) decided that fans of the Israeli club should not be permitted to attend the Europa League fixture on 6 November over safety concerns.

Facing mounting pressure to resolve the situation, the government said it was working with police and exploring what additional resources are required.

A meeting of the SAG to discuss the match is expected next week, the Home Office said.

“No one should be stopped from watching a football game simply because of who they are,” a government spokesperson said.

They added the government was working with police and other bodies to ensure the game could “safely go ahead with all fans present”.

After it was announced on Thursday, Sir Keir Starmer called the move to block fans attending “wrong”, adding “we will “not tolerate antisemitism on our streets”, while there has also been criticism from other party leaders.

The SAG – which advises the council on whether to issue safety certificates – will review the decision if West Midlands Police changes its risk assessment for the match, Birmingham City Council said.

On Thursday, West Midlands Police said it had classified the fixture as “high risk” based on current intelligence and previous incidents, including “violent clashes and hate crime offences” between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv fans before a match in Amsterdam in November 2024.

More than 60 people were arrested over the violence, which city officials described as a “toxic combination of antisemitism, hooliganism, and anger” over the war in Gaza, Israel and elsewhere in the Middle East.

The Home Office was briefed that restrictions on visiting fans might be imposed last week, but the BBC understands officials were not informed about the final decision until Thursday.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said the revelation left the Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, with “serious questions to answer” about why her department did “nothing” to avert the ban.

She said: “This is a weak government that fails to act when required.”

A source close to Mahmood told the BBC that “this is categorically untrue”.

“The first time the home secretary knew that the fans were being banned was last night,” they added.

Ayoub Khan, an independent MP for Birmingham Perry Barr who campaigned on a pro-Gaza platform in last year’s general election, had pushed for the match to be cancelled due to safety concerns and welcomed Thursday’s decision.

Khan told BBC Newsnight “nobody should tolerate antisemitism” but added: “We cannot conflate antisemitism when we look at what some of these fans did in Amsterdam in 2024. The vile chants of racism and hatred, the chants that there are no schools left in Gaza because there are no children left in Gaza.”

Andrew Fox, honorary president of Aston Villa’s Jewish Villans supporters’ club, said he thought Khan’s comments on Amsterdam were “shameful”, describing what happened there as a “premeditated Jew hunt”.

West Midlands Police said the upcoming game has been classified as “high risk” following a “thorough assessment”.

A spokesperson said: “This decision is based on current intelligence and previous incidents, including violent clashes and hate crime offences that occurred during the 2024 Europa League match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv in Amsterdam.

“Based on our professional judgement, we believe this measure will help mitigate risks to public safety.

“While the safety certificate is issued by Birmingham City Council, West Midlands Police supports the decision to prohibit away supporters from attending.”

Football’s European governing body Uefa said it wanted fans to be able to travel and support their team in a “safe, secure and welcoming environment”.

Uefa told Reuters: “In all cases, the competent local authorities remain responsible for decisions related to the safety and security of matches taking place on their territory.”

Arrests were made after violence broke out before the match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv in November last year.

Amsterdam officials described the violence as a “toxic combination of antisemitism, hooliganism, and anger” over the war in Gaza, Israel and elsewhere in the Middle East.

A ceasefire in Gaza came into effect on 10 October.

Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu said Horner had “approached” the US-based team but added: “Nothing has gone any further. It is finished.”

Alpine managing director Steve Nielsen said the French team’s executive adviser and de facto boss Flavio Briatore was “old friends” with Horner.

Nielsen added: “I don’t know what they talk about. Everything I know is there are no plans for Christian to come to Alpine but that doesn’t mean it won’t happen.”

Williams team principal James Vowles said Horner had not approached them.

“We’re very happy with the structure we have and it’s working,” Vowles said. “I don’t see any reason to change from that.”

Horner is free to return to F1 by the middle of next year after finalising a severance package with Red Bull on 22 September.

The 51-year-old was fired as Red Bull team principal after the British Grand Prix in July.

Multiple sources at Red Bull have told BBC Sport the settlement package was worth 60m euros (£52m).

When Morgan Rogers handed Ollie Watkins the ball, the Holte End chanted the striker’s name.

Seconds after his weak penalty was saved by Bologna’s Lukasz Skorupski, Watkins’ name was again chanted in support.

The England striker is enduring a 10-game goal drought for club and country at a time when Villa need him at his sharpest, despite Thursday’s Europa League win.

His nine games without scoring in the club shirt is the joint longest he has gone without a goal in his Villa career, having previously had nine-game dry spells in 2020-21 and 2022-23.

His second-half spot kick was the ideal chance to end that but the scuffed strike lacked confidence and allowed Skorupski to save with his legs.

Watkins has now failed to score three of his last five penalties for Villa, including missing in the Champions League against Celtic last season.

Ultimately – thanks to Marco Bizot’s late save from Martin Vitik – it mattered little as Villa earned their first win of the season thanks to John McGinn’s early strike.

It allowed boss Unai Emery to relax after victory and assert with confidence that Watkins will end his drought.

“He didn’t score, okay, it doesn’t matter, the goal is coming through the work he did today,” Emery said.

“I am happy because he played doing his task. He worked, this is the most important.

“He pressed, he was getting in duels, he got chances, he got a penalty, he missed but the most important [thing] is how he played in 30 minutes doing his task and he did a fantastic job.

“He has to feel after each match like I am feeling now, be happy because he did his work. He has to feel the same and if he is scoring he is going to feel better.

“The most important thing is how he is working in his tasks for the team. Today he played a good match, not enough because he didn’t score but he played good. This is the first step.”

Watkins’ struggles can be charted back to the second half of last season when he scored just four times in Villa’s final 19 games.

The 29-year-old started 13 of those but was left out of the starting line ups for their Champions League quarter-final defeat by Paris St-Germain, playing just 25 minutes across both legs.

This season he has missed all five of his big chances, has managed just 40 touches in the opposition’s box across his nine appearances and is averaging less than one shot on target per game.

Asked if Emery had called his players lazy privately, Konsa added: “No. The boss is not a big speaker. Sometimes he keeps himself to himself.

“As players, we have been in the game a long time and we know what we need to do. It is down to us at the end of the day. We are on the pitch, not the manager. We have to figure it out for ourselves as well.”

Speaking before Bologna’s visit to Villa Park in the Europa League on Thursday, Emery said he was “angry” after the match against Sunderland.

“I was frustrated and disappointed but when I analysed it I was getting the balance,” said Emery.

“I am demanding and always trying to understand how we can feel stronger. After the match I told the players we have to be more demanding.”

The draw against Sunderland left Villa 18th in the Premier League and winless in their opening five games, out of the Carabao Cup and having scored just one league goal.

Konsa, though, says the club are not in “crisis”.

“I don’t think we are at the stage where we need to have meetings,” he said. “People will talk about crisis meetings and things like that but we have got a great captain in John McGinn, who really takes the lead in stuff like that.

“After the game, he said a few words to keep us going, to keep encouraging us. Look, we haven’t started the season well. We know that. But I’m sure it’s going to go well soon.”

“It shows how far we have come over the last three years [that people have criticised Villa’s start to the season]”.

Villa launch their Europa League campaign at home to Bologna on Thursday, and will have to juggle the demands of playing Thursday-Sunday matches.

Their failure to finish in a Champions League position meant restrictions were put in place during the summer to comply with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).

In addition, the loss of loan signings Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio has impacted the depth of quality in the attacking department.

They were able to bring in Nice striker Evann Guessand for £26m plus £4.3m in add-ons, but the Ivory Coast forward has registered just two attempts on target.

“After playing 11 against 10 it should be easier to dominate and take advantage, but we were not playing with our identity,” added Emery.

“I’m disappointed and frustrated, more for how we are not achieving our identity, playing the football we’ve been successful with.”

Looking at positives for Emery, the next two Premier League games offer a decent chance of kick-starting their season.

Villa have back-to-back home games against Fulham on 28 September and Burnley on 5 October.

“We’re not happy,” goalscorer Cash told Sky Sports.

“As a team we’ve got to be better. With the quality we have, we need to be higher up the league.

“Over the last few years we’ve had a lot of highs at the club and at the minute we’re in a bit of a tough period.”

There is no doubt Emery’s spell at Villa has been impressive overall and no-one will be pressing the panic button yet.

However, time and patience remains in short supply in the Premier League.

Emery will know that unless Villa pick up a win soon, the pressure will increase.

Villa were sixth in the Premier League last season as they missed out on fifth spot and Champions League qualification by finishing below Newcastle United on goal difference.

According to FootballTransfers.com, Villa had the third lowest outlay in the top-flight this summer as they spent £57.5m and recouped £47m to end with a £10.5m surplus.

“We’re going to have to deal with what we’ve got now,” said Konsa.

“I definitely didn’t watch that [transfer deadline day]. It’s been tough, especially for us.

“I knew that signing players was going to be difficult for us so I did not look at transfer deadline day.

“Around eight o’clock I went on Villa’s social media to see what happened. I saw that we signed three players, who are really good and have Premier League experience.

“I think that’s what we needed as well.”

Villa have gained just one point – which came from a goalless draw against Newcastle – from their first three games of this season.

Konsa is hopeful they can turn their fortunes around after the international break.

“We’ve a great squad, I believe in our squad. I believe in our manager,” he said.

“Hopefully the boys who have come in can really help us and push us on.”

MARC Guehi struck a blow for the good guys as he left Eagles’ boss Oliver Glasner with something to remember him by.

The Palace captain may be moving to pastures new inside the next 24 hours if his proposed move to Liverpool gets the green light.

8

8

But his farewell present was a curling shot that underlined the star quality the Reds are paying for as Unai Emery’s chaotic summer imploded at Villa Park.

Guehi struck Palace’s second goal, building on Jean-Philippe Mateta’s first-half penalty on a night to forget for Villa’s boss.

And Ismaila Sarr rubbed salt into very open wounds by adding a third 12 minutes from time, nodding home after the hosts’ defence had followed the example of keeper Emi Martinez – and gone AWOL.

The Argentinian was left out because his mind was “elsewhere”.

The two-time winner of the world’s best keeper award was nowhere to be seen – apparently his mind was unable to cope with the prospect of a potential move away from Villa Park with Manchester United mulling over an offer.

He was declared unfit to play. And that went too for Emery’s side who spent a large chunk of this going around in circles.

Not so Guehi who may have a money-spinning switch to the champs in the offing.

His name was sung loud and proud by the visiting supporters who were appreciative of his professionalism.

And he had the benefit of celebrating in front of them as Villa’s proud unbeaten record was shattered.

Before tonight, Emery’s side were unbeaten on their own patch in the Premier League over the past 12 months.

But Palace are Villa’s bogey side – and they had a field day.

Glasner’s men have held the upper hand against Villa recently, winning four and drawing one of their last five encounters, including in the FA Cup semi-final four months ago.

As if to hammer home the point, the visiting contingent reminded the hosts of that 3-0 defeat, taunting them with “Did you cry at Wembley?” within seconds of the game getting underway.

By that stage, Villa’s stadium announcer had put a red line through his usual pre-match script which involved introducing the “world’s best” keeper Martinez to the home crowd.

Emery also mumbled his way through a pre-match television interview in which, when quizzed about the Argentinian’s absence, merely repeated the name of the Argentinian’s replacement, saying: “Marco Bizot, Marco Bizot.”

It was a bizarre reply to a fair question. Villa’s boss confirmed last Friday that he “didn’t expect” any of his main stars to leave the club.

It was almost as if any late interest had completely thrown the Spaniard – knocked him out of his stride. Palace then did the same to his team out on the green stuff.

Despite the excitement of a trip to Norway to face Fredrikstad in the Conference League on Thursday evening, Palace came with a game plan that stifled Villa at every turn.

The Eagles looked polished and took a 21st-minute lead when Mateta pulled away from Villa’s two centre-backs to receive a ball from Tyrick Mitchell on the left flank.

The Frenchman spotted Daichi Kamada making a run and threaded a pass into him.

The Japan international pushed the ball past Bizot whose outstretched leg clipped him. Stuart Attwell pointed to the spot.

The Dutch keeper couldn’t stop himself moving as Mateta dithered during his run-up and the Frenchman rolled the ball into the net.

Emery chose to blood Evann Guessand, a £26million signing from Nice, from the start. He showed some nice touches but it was the evergreen Ollie Watkins who posed the greatest threat.

The England international made something out of nothing when John McGinn simply booted the ball down the middle of the pitch, Dean Henderson standing up well to the striker’s shot.

Emery chose to shake it up at the interval. By that stage, Villa were yet to find the net and it was to another Argentinian – a forgotten one – that he turned.

Emi Buendia sparked a response – but it was all huff, puff and no end product.

Guehi then showed them how to do it as Villa failed to clear a Mitchell cross.

Palace moved forward on the left and Guehi took aim with a stunning effort that left Bizot grasping at thin air.

Sarr then sealed the points with a close-range header following a long throw allowing the visiting skipper to leave on a high.

8

8

8

8

8

8

Jacob Ramsey is a player Newcastle United’s coaching team “loved” from afar.

Ramsey is athletic, versatile and hungry to get better – and it is not hard to envisage the 24-year-old developing further under Eddie Howe.

This will have been an emotional move for Ramsey, a boyhood Aston Villa fan who had been on the club’s books since the age of six.

But it felt instructive that the midfielder referenced the pull of working with Howe after completing his move to St James’ Park.

Anthony Gordon, Dan Burn, Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento have all become full England internationals after an extended period working with Howe and his staff.

Do not rule out Ramsey following in the quartet’s footsteps.

Newcastle may be well-stocked in the middle of the park and out on the left, but it is not hard to envisage Ramsey playing his part given the depth the club will need to fight on four fronts this season.

It was a frustrating start to the window for Newcastle, but Howe has now brought in Ramsey, Anthony Elanga, Malick Thiaw and Aaron Ramsdale to increase competition in some key areas.

The one position that still needs to be addressed, though, is up front.

Newcastle already needed a goalscorer following Callum Wilson’s departure last month and it fell to Anthony Gordon to lead the line in Alexander Isak’s continued absence on the opening day.

Brentford star Yoane Wissa remains one to watch.

Nick Mashiter, BBC Sport

It is a deal Aston Villa and Unai Emery would have preferred not to have done in an ideal world.

However, this is not that world but one in which teams must abide by profit and sustainability rules, and finances are tight at Villa Park.

A youth product like Ramsey would always be the asset to sell to generate pure profit and £40m will undoubtedly help Villa comply with the rules.

It was the same last year when they had to sell Douglas Luiz despite qualifying for the Champions League.

It would be churlish to call Villa purely a selling club now but they are not immune to financial pressures, as has been obvious over the past 18 months, and the failure to reach the Champions League this season will naturally have an effect.

Emery was a fan of Ramsey – he would have like to have kept him – but the manager is living in reality. He knows the landscape Villa must navigate, even if it may seem rocky.

Striker Evann Guessand has joined from Nice and there are likely to be more arrivals, perhaps even the return of Marco Asensio after his successful loan last season, but Villa must continue to outthink the bigger spenders.

Newcastle are in advanced negotiations with Aston Villa over a move for midfielder Jacob Ramsey, who will hold key talks with the Midlands club in the next 24 hours.

The two clubs are in negotiations over a deal for Ramsey to move to St James’ Park before the transfer deadline, with an agreement described as close.

The 24-year-old will hold talks with Villa before making a decision on his future, with Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe keen to secure his signature.

If the clubs reach an agreement and the ex-England U21s midfielder decides he wants to leave, he will enter into talks with the Magpies over personal terms.

Ramsey has also courted serious interest from West Ham this summer, but if he does leave Villa Park then Newcastle is believed to be his preferred destination.

He has scored 17 goals in 167 appearances for Villa since earning his senior debut in 2019 and was a regular for Unai Emery’s side last season.

Newcastle have made two permanent signings this summer with winger Anthony Elanga arriving from Nottingham Forest and defender Malick Thiaw joining from AC Milan, while goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale has also linked up with the Magpies on loan from Southampton.

ASTON VILLA want to hijack Bournemouth’s move for Rennes skipper Adrien Truffert.

Villa look keen on the left-back and could swoop for the 23-year-old if they can quickly sell a player.

2

2

The Cherries are close to agreeing a £20million deal for France international Truffert.

They see him as a replacement for Milos Kerkez, who is expected to join Liverpool.

Truffert has scored two goals and provided two assists in 33 Ligue 1 games this season.

But the 23-year-old has understandably struggled to get into France‘s star-studded squad.

The full-back has made just one appearances for the Les Bleus, after receiving his first call-up fir two Uefa Nations League matches.

The switches get more complicated when you consider that Bournemouth were interested in Anfield left-back Andy Robertson.

The Villa Park outfit may struggle to bring the 32-year-old Scot to the West Midlands, considering Arne Slot’s stance on an exit.

Unai Emery is believed to be in the market for a new left-back with Frenchman Lucas Digne and Ian Maatsen failing to impress the Spaniard.

CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS

Bournemouth are also in the market for Spanish keeper Joan Garcia, who was linked with Arsenal.

The 24-year-old is set to sign for Barcelona from Espanyol — but could then be loaned out for a season in the Premier League.

ASTON VILLA are ready to cancel Philippe Coutinho’s contract some 654 days after he last played for them.

The playmaker, 32, is currently on loan at Brazilian side Vasco da Gama, where he’s scored eight times in 43 outings.

2

2

Coutinho, who also spent last season on loan at Qatari side Al-Duhail, has not played for Villa since the start of the 2023/24 campaign — exactly 654 days ago.

But he still has a year remaining on his lucrative £125,000-a-week contract, which Coutinho signed in 2022 after making his shock loan from Barcelona permanent for £17million.

And the Athletic claims Villa chiefs have now made it a priority to get his high wages off their books ahead of another summer splurge.

Coutinho hit the ground running when he moved to Villa Park on loan in January 2022, scoring five goals in 19 games under Steven Gerard.

But standards slipped after his move became permanent, with the ex-Liverpool and Bayern Munich star netting just once in the following 24 outings.

And Coutinho now looks set to become a free agent if Villa can agree a deal to terminate his contract this month.

He’s not the only potential outgoing as Unai Emery’s men look to balance the books.

Emi Martinez, Lucas Digne and Leon Bailey could be sold for the right price, with Emi Buendia, Leander Dendocker, Enzo Barrenechea and Samuel Iling-Junior up for grabs.

BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS

There is also interest in Ollie Watkins, Jacob Ramsey and Morgan Rogers, but Villa are desperate to keep all three.

Emery is preparing for several incomings too.

Marco Asensio’s loan from Paris Saint-Germain could be made permanent.

While Villa are huge fans of Southampton winger Tyler Dibling.

LEON BAILEY is expected to seal a life-changing £25 million move to Saudi Arabia this week.

The Aston Villa forward is the subject of an offer believed to be from league newcomers Neom.

3

3

3

His agents have already held initial discussions with the Pro League club.

Jamaican international Bailey, 27, is set to earn up to £10 million a year, tax-free.

He was a key member of the Villa squad that qualified for the Champions League last season but has since fallen out of favour.

The emergence of Morgan Rogers and the arrival of Marcus Rashford, combined with a series of niggling injuries, frustrated Bailey throughout the past campaign.

Bailey’s imminent departure adds to mounting speculation that Emi Martinez could also leave the club this summer.

The Argentine World Cup winner was left in tears after Villa’s final home game of the season, further fuelling rumours that it may have been his last appearance at Villa Park.

When asked about the futures of both Bailey and Martinez ahead of the final game of the season, Villa boss Unai Emery said: “Now we are focused on the matches we are playing.

“It is the last match here I don’t know, we will see. We will see about the team and the players.

CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS

“How they respond and how focused they are on how we prepare for games.”

Villa are set for a big summer having already said goodbye to winger Marcus Rashford, who arrived from Manchester United late last season and made a significant impact.

The 27-year-old had been sidelined by United manager Ruben Amorim but was a breath of fresh air as Villa narrowly missed out on a Champions League spot.

Sunsport understands Rashford has not entirely ruled out a return to Villa Park.

However, interest from clubs abroad has made negotiations delicate at this stage.

Martinez, 32, fuelled speculation when he broke down in tears and  took a bow in front of the Holte End after Villa’s final home game of the season.

Some feared it was a farewell and since then he was  linked with a  lucrative move to the Saudi Pro League.

Man United, Arsenal, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are also rumoured to be keen.

Martinez’s contract runs until 2029 but a bid of £40million or more would ease Villa’s PSR concerns.

Professional Game Match Officials Limited made a “poor management decision” in appointing Thomas Bramall to officiate Aston Villa’s defeat by Manchester United, says former referees’ boss Keith Hackett.

Villa have complained to referees’ body PGMOL about Bramall after he made a “big mistake” in their 2-0 defeat at Manchester United on Sunday that contributed to them missing out on the Champions League.

Bramall blew for a foul when Morgan Rogers nudged the ball away from United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir before the Villa midfielder put the ball in the net.

Bramall thought Bayindir had two hands on the ball, though television footage suggested otherwise, and because he stopped play before the ball crossed the line, the video assistant referee (VAR) could not intervene.

Villa’s complaint is that “one of the most inexperienced referees in the Premier League” was appointed to such an important match.

Bramall, 35, first refereed in the Premier League in August 2022 and his games this season have largely been in either the top flight or the second tier, with 11 in the Premier League and 12 in the Championship.

Of the 10 referees appointed for Sunday’s final round of the Premier League, Bramall has officiated the second-fewest top-flight matches this season, above Lewis Smith, who took charge of his seventh game in Bournemouth’s win over Leicester.

In a response to a Talksport video on X of former Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor criticising Bramall’s performance, Hackett said PGMOL “do not learn”.

The former Premier League referee added: “Our top referee Michael Oliver was operating VAR on a game. What a poor management decision.”

Hackett, who was chief of PGMOL under its former name Professional Game Match Officials Board, also told Football Insider he “would have expected one of our top officials to have been appointed” to the Manchester United-Aston Villa match.

He added he was “surprised and disappointed” that Oliver was appointed VAR for Tottenham’s defeat by Brighton and it was “difficult to understand” why he was not picked to referee “a big game” in Sunday’s final round.

Oliver has refereed 26 Premier League matches this season, behind only Anthony Taylor – who was in charge of Chelsea’s win at Nottingham Forest – on 31.

Aston Villa will complain to the Premier League after a “big mistake” by referee Thomas Bramall contributed to them losing 2-0 at Manchester United and missing out on the Champions League.

With the match goalless and Villa down to 10 men after goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was correctly sent off, the visitors thought they had scored when Morgan Rogers nudged the ball away from United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir and slotted home.

However, Bramall blew for a foul, thinking Bayindir had two hands on the ball, though television footage showed otherwise.

Because Bramall stopped play before the ball entered the net, the video assistant referee (VAR) could not intervene.

Moments later, Amad Diallo headed United in front – and Christian Eriksen’s late penalty condemned Villa to a defeat that meant they finished sixth and missed out on Champions League football on goal difference.

In Villa’s post-match news conference, director of football operations Damian Vidagany said the club were unhappy 35-year-old Bramall had been given such an important game.

“We are going to send a complaint,” said Vidagany. “The complaint is not about the decision, it is about the selection of the referee – one of the most inexperienced referees in the Premier League.

“It’s not about the decision, clearly it was a mistake. The complaint is about the referee. The problem is why the international referees were not here today.”

Bramall first refereed in the Premier League in August 2022 and his games this season have largely been in either the top flight or the second tier, with 11 in the Premier League and 12 in the Championship.

Villa boss Unai Emery was visibly furious with the decision to disallow Rogers’ goal – and award United their late penalty.

Speaking after the game, he said: “The TV is clear but, of course, we have to accept it. It was a mistake. A big mistake.”

The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) – the body responsible for refereeing games in English professional football – declined to comment.