Birmingham Live

West Brom transfer news latest as Baggies are linked with Premier League starlet

West Bromwich Albion are reportedly interested in young Tottenham Hotspur and Northern Ireland prospect Jamie Donley on a permanent deal for next season.

The 20-year-old attacking midfielder is currently on loan for Leyton Orient, who are vying for a place in the Championship, currently in the League One play-offs.

Donley has scored eight league goals and registered ten assists in 30 appearances for the Os this term, producing a string of eye-catching displays.

The latest reports suggest that the Baggies have made an early £1.5 million bid to his parent club, Spurs, to try to prise him away on a permanent deal. He still has two years on his contract with the North London outfit, and if they do not want to let him go permanently, the option of a season-long loan move is still on the table.

Born in the Northern Irish town of Antrim, Donley represented England and Northern Ireland at youth level but earned his first senior caps for his native country in March this year, playing in friendlies against Switzerland and Sweden.

The international call-up is proof of his rising prominence as a result of his loan move to Orient, his first experience of men’s football coming out of Tottenham’s academy, where he has shown his true ability.

Donley told BBC Radio London in March: “I want to play in these games. I want to show everyone what I can do. People say to go out and explore men’s football instead of just playing under-21s football, and now I’m at this stage, I’m glad I’ve gone and done that.

“I’ve obviously had the down moment in my career where I wasn’t playing and getting in the squad, but I’ve come out of the other side.

“Now I’m doing well – I’m playing lots of minutes and it’s coming out as a successful loan for me. Coming from Tottenham, everyone expects you to be this amazing player and just to hit the ground running straight away, but it’s not that easy coming in as my first loan in men’s football.

“The gaffer always told me he knows the quality I have, and it’s just about showing that. Luckily, I’ve shown that over the last few months.”

One thing that will not help Albion’s case with wrapping up any transfers this early in the off-season is that they are currently without a head coach, having dismissed Tony Mowbray over three weeks ago.

They are after young Spurs talent for the squad and potentially for the managerial vacancy. First-team coach Ryan Mason is one of the favourites to take over from Mowbray, along with Portsmouth’s John Mousinho and Minnesota United’s Eric Ramsay.

Potential incomings will want to know who they will be playing under before they commit to the club, so it is important to West Brom’s early transfer prospects that they conclude their head coach search as soon as possible.

Aston Villa is marking its 150th anniversary throughout the 2024/2025 season, celebrating a century and a half of history, football and community.

Here's what items are available to buy to celebrate the club's historic season from its official store:

Aston Villa adidas 150th Anniversary Shirt 24-25 (£55)

The aforementioned blacked-out anniversary kit has proven to be hugely popular with fans, particularly those who have noticed the subtle nods to Villa's history in the details.

Due to the high demand, the club store currently only has kids sizes 7 - 9 years old in stock at a price of £55. This item has an 'almost gone' tag on the site.

Buy here.

Aston Villa adidas 150th Anniversary Track Top - Claret (£70)

This long sleeve track top has also proven to be a popular pick amongst fans. The club store describes the jacket by saying:

"Before football players take the pitch for warmups, they answer questions from the media wearing an adidas jacket like this one. It's made of a soft woven fabric to keep you comfortable anywhere the day takes you.

AEROREADY helps keep you dry and comfortable whether you're hanging with friends or watching the game from the sidelines."

Buy here.

Aston Villa 150 Year Anniversary Hoodie - Navy (£45)

Featuring a retro club badge, this hoodie is still available in all Mens' sizes on the club store, which describes the item by saying "Relax in style and comfort. Featuring the iconic club crest, this is an essential item for fans of all ages."

This item is also available in claret for both men and women, though only in sizes XL and S for women limited stock left.

Buy navy here and claret here.

Aston Villa 150 Years in Pictures Book (£25)

The first of two books available to purchase in Villa's 150th season. The describes the picture book as a way to "Celebrate the storied history of Aston Villa and their illustrious history spanning a century and a half with this premium-quality photo book."

Buy here.

Aston Villa 150 Years Book Volume Two (£40)

The long-awaited second volume moves Aston Villa's remarkable story forward – with the ups and downs between 1950 and 2024 given the same care and attention as the first volume. Even more pin-sharp images, artefacts and stories are featured, alongside stand-out interviews with some of the players and managers that make this club so great.

Buy here.

Aston Villa 150 Year Anniversary Polo Shirt - White (£30)

"Represent your club wherever you go. Suitable for matchday and casual wear, the polo is perfect for fans of all ages."

This item is available in all sizes but XS on the club store and is also available for kids in claret at a higher price of £35.

Buy the mens' polo here and the kids' claret polo here.

Aston Villa 150 Year Anniversary T-Shirt - Claret and Navy (£25)

"Suitable for wearing on matchdays and beyond, this is a must-have for supporters of all ages. Perfect for walks with the dog, or when relaxing on holiday, the t-shirt allows you to proudly sport your pride and passion."

Buy mens' claret here, womens' claret here and navy here.

Aston Villa 150 Years Anniversary Scarf - Claret (£15)

"Take the love for your team with you. The scarf tops off your winter look, and is an essential item for supporters."

Buy the scarf here.

Aston Villa 150 Years Badge & Keyring Set - Boxed (£15)

Display the love for your team. Perfect for your hat or scarf, this is a must-have for fans of all ages.

Buy the set here.

Aston Villa 150 Years Mug - 11oz (£8)

"Start your day off right with a drink from this. Whether it's tea, coffee or hot chocolate this mug is perfect for fans to enjoy an exquisite beverage."

Tottenham will play in the Europa League final five days after facing Aston Villa

Aston Villa are targeting their third successive Premier League victory on Friday night when they host Tottenham.

Unai Emery’s side will move into the top five if they beat Spurs, while fellow Champions League hopefuls Chelsea also entertain Manchester United on the same night.

Both Villa and Chelsea are expected to win on home turf, given that Spurs and United will contest the Europa League final just five days later at the San Mames in Bilbao.

However, Villa cannot afford to take Spurs lightly, despite their upcoming final and the fact that Ange Postecoglou’s side currently sit in 17th.

They lost their 20th game of the season last weekend as Crystal Palace left north London with a 2-0 victory.

Spurs have won just one of their last 10 Premier League matches, which came at home to Southampton, while they have drawn seven in that time.

Many expect Postecoglou to name a ‘weaker’ team to face Villa on Friday, but that could actually throw up some complications for their final.

The likes of Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero, Dominic Solanke, Brennan Johnson, and goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario all sat on the bench for the duration of the defeat to Palace.

That means that if they don’t play against Villa, those first-team stars won’t have played for 13 days before the final.

Dejan Kulusevski came off injured in the first half on Sunday, but Postecoglou is hopeful he only suffered a knock.

Son Heung-min, however, is expected to play a part against Villa.

"From a physical standpoint, [Son] is good,” Postecoglou said on Monday. “It's important he got some minutes yesterday, more for himself psychologically.

"He had a good session today, but didn't do the whole session because he played yesterday. He feels good and we've got eight or nine days to go. We can build him up.

“We'll get him some minutes on Friday against Villa and if he trains right through he'll be OK.

"He's worked hard to get back. It's a bit of a funny injury. It was just how he progressed and how he felt. Hopefully he kicks on now."

Tottenham XI vs Palace: Kinsky, Pedro Porro, Danso, Davies, Spence; Gray, Bentancur (c), Sarr; Kulusevski, Tel, Odobert.

Substitutes: Vicario, Romero, van de Ven, Bissouma, Moore, Johnson, Son, Richarlison, Solanke.

Postecoglou could make a few changes to his starting XI to rotate, but also involve players he knows will start against United to boost their match fitness and sharpness ahead of the final.

Aston Villa host Tottenham in the Premier League on Friday night (7:30pm kick-off)

Ange Postecoglou has joked that he will wrap his players in cotton wool ahead of the Europa League final against Manchester United.

Spurs play Aston Villa on Friday night, before they take on Man United at the San Mames on Wednesday, May 21.

Tottenham’s trip to Villa Park was originally scheduled for Sunday, May 18, but they requested that it be brought forward to have more time to prepare for the final.

Villa objected to their request to move it to the Thursday, but the Premier League still moved it to Friday night, when Man United also play against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Ahead of the final, Postecoglou plans to give more minutes to Son Heung-min, who returned from injury in Spurs’ defeat to Crystal Palace.

Dejan Kulusevski, meanwhile, picked up a knock in the match with Palace, though Postecoglou is hopeful he should be able to feature in the final. Lucas Bergvall and James Maddison, however, are both expected to miss the remainder of the season.

"I don't know if you saw training but we had Reguilon slide tackling Brennan Johnson and they were on the same team! It seems to be how our season has gone,” Postecoglou said.

“You want to protect the integrity of training. Thankfully nothing too serious. We just have to hope and pray to the football gods.

“We've got enough injuries, I'm putting them in cotton wool for the next 10 days.

"From a physical standpoint, [Son] is good. It's important he got some minutes yesterday, more for himself psychologically.

"He had a good session today, but didn't do the whole session because he played yesterday. He feels good and we've got eight or nine days to go. We can build him up.

“We'll get him some minutes on Friday against Villa and if he trains right through he'll be OK.

"He's worked hard to get back. It's a bit of a funny injury. It was just how he progressed and how he felt. Hopefully he kicks on now."

On Kulusevski, he said: "We'll see. He was a bit sore this morning with his knee.

"It looks like a knock at this stage but we're going to let it settle for the next 24 hours and see.

"The initial feeling is it was more of a knock than anything significant. We've obviously lost Madders and Bergvall in the last two weeks.

"Yesterday I had three players to back-up and they were all only going to play 45 minutes — it's sod's law that one of them gets injured.

"So he is important but right now, they're all important. The thing with Deki is that he's missed some football but he was just getting back into it, there were some really promising signs at Bodo.

"He started to show some of that real attacking creativity. Then he gets injured. He is important so fingers crossed he's OK."

Aston Villa host Europa League finalists Tottenham on Friday night (7:30pm kick-off)

Tottenham have suffered an injury blow ahead of their trip to Aston Villa on Friday night.

Ange Postecoglou’s side will be focused on their upcoming Europa League final against Manchester United, scheduled for five days later.

While they won’t simply roll over at Villa Park, Postecoglou is expected to field a weakened team to preserve his strongest line-up for the final at San Mamés, where Spurs will be chasing silverware.

Winning the Europa League also secures a place in the Champions League, but Spurs have been dealt a setback after Dejan Kulusevski was forced off in the first half of their Premier League clash against Crystal Palace.

The Sweden international appeared to be injured following a challenge from Eagles captain Marc Guéhi.

He received treatment on the pitch and briefly tried to continue, but was soon replaced by Mikey Moore and headed down the tunnel minutes later.

Lucas Bergvall and James Maddison are both expected to miss the remainder of the season.

Son Heung-min returned to the squad against Palace after recovering from injury.

After hosting Tottenham, Villa will take on United at Old Trafford on the final day of the season the following Sunday.

Will Villa win their next two matches? Tell us here

Every day, the BirminghamLive football desk strive to deliver all manner of news, features and transfer-related stories as a part of our overall package of Aston Villa content.

Our dedicated reporter John Townley - who you can follow on X by clicking here - follows Villa home and away and offers you comprehensive coverage from matchdays, press conferences and everything that happens in between.

So much happens day to day and sometimes you can struggle to keep on top of the very latest updates as and when they occur - that's why we have produced a daily newsletter which you can sign up to, for free, and which means you'll have a round-up of the key stories land in your email inbox. Sign up to the Villa newsletter here.

You can also get all your favourite content from BirminghamLive's Villa team on WhatsApp. Click here to sign up for breaking updates about the biggest stories in and around the club.

If you prefer reading our Villa stories on your phone, consider downloading the BirminghamLive app, in which you can personalise the content you see by selecting Villa as one of your designated topics. You can get it from Apple here and for Android here.

Aston Villa will have to play Tottenham Hotspur two days before they were scheduled to, after Spurs' request to the Premier League

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou delivered a frank assessment of how he has seen the way his club have been portrayed in the wake of Spurs qualifying for the Europa League final.

They overcame Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt comfortably over two legs and now face Manchester United, who defeated Athletic Bilbao, in the showpiece which takes place in Bilbao the week after next.

Spurs, who have endured a miserable Premier League campaign having lost 19 of their 35 matches, hit the headlines this week having won in their bid to have their game against Aston Villa brought forward by two days.

Villa's final home game of the season, after which they'll bid farewell to their fanbase for the summer, was due to take place on Sunday, May 18, but they'll now welcome Spurs on Friday, May 16 - after the Premier League approved Tottenham's request to have the game rescheduled with the likelihood of their participating in the Europa Final days later.

That was a decision which infuriated many associated with Villa, who had no such luck with the league when they asked for help in the midst of a congested schedule earlier this year, and they've been left wondering why they've had to accommodate Spurs' request, which has ultimately been justified by their progress into the final.

Postecoglou, who has received his fair share of criticism this season due to Spurs' underwhelming form, hit back at those who have doubted his players, who are now potentially 90 minutes away from the club's first trophy in 15 years, and first European trophy in over 40 years.

"It's going to upset a lot of people, isn't it?" he said. "The debate's now raging. The latest one is that neither of us will be able to get a trophy if we win, they're just going to take a team photo because we're not worthy. I mean, who cares if we're struggling in the league? It's a separate thing.

"It's got nothing to do with league form. I couldn't care less who's struggling and who's not. I think both us and Manchester United have earned the right to be there. If it's so easy to get to a final, then why doesn't everyone who finishes in the top three do it?

"I've said all along that this is important. What's happening now is people are fearing that - that it actually might happen, and let's see how we can tear it down somehow and diminish it somehow by saying it's been a poor season and we don't deserve this or we don't deserve that, or somehow comparing us to Man United.

"Maybe if we had Man United's success then maybe I'd have a different view. So, of course it's massive. Of course it is, because you have to frame it against what this club has been through over the last 15 or 20 years and what the supporters have been through."

What is Villa's priority in the summer window? Tell us HERE

Everyday, the BirminghamLive football desk strive to deliver all manner of news, features and transfer-related stories as a part of our overall package of Aston Villa content.

Our dedicated reporter John Townley - who you can follow on X by clicking here - follows Villa home and away and offers you comprehensive coverage from matchdays, press conferences and everything that happens in between.

So much happens day to day and sometimes you can struggle to keep on top of the very latest updates as and when they occur - that's why we have produced a daily newsletter which you can sign up to, for free, and which means you'll have a round-up of the key stories land in your email inbox. Sign up to the Villa newsletter here.

You can also get all your favourite content from BirminghamLive's Villa team on WhatsApp. Click here to sign up for breaking updates about the biggest stories in and around the club.

If you prefer reading our Villa stories on your phone, consider downloading the BirminghamLive app, in which you can personalise the content you see by selecting Villa as one of your designated topics. You can get it from Apple here and for Android here.

Aston Villa objected to Tottenham's request to move their Premier League fixture at Villa Park

Aston Villa were quick to write to the Premier League after Tottenham Hotspur opened discussions about rescheduling this month’s fixture at Villa Park.

However, their protests have been ignored after the Premier League granted Spurs their request to bring the game forward.

Tottenham had initially sought to play on Thursday, May 15, which would have given them an extra day of preparation over Manchester United for a potential Europa League final.

That final, set to be held at the San Mamés Stadium, would have taken place three days after Spurs were originally scheduled to visit Villa Park on Sunday, May 18.

Granted, it would be unfair for Spurs to have less preparation time than United if both teams reach the final. Still, there is little justification for the Premier League to accommodate Tottenham - especially given that no such concessions were extended to Villa this season or last.

Villa had to face Lille and Paris Saint-Germain while both French sides benefited from free weekends, as permitted by the LFP. No such accommodation was offered to Villa, who nonetheless fought hard to secure Champions League qualification last season - a monumental achievement considering Spurs had no European commitments at all.

This season, Spurs have struggled with fixture congestion, as reflected in their poor league form.

Currently sitting 16th with three games remaining, Ange Postecoglou’s side have lost 19 matches this season.

Villa, on the other hand, are aiming to surpass last season’s 68-point tally, all while competing in the Champions League and reaching the FA Cup semi-finals.

Just last month, Villa played every three to four days due to their heavy schedule across multiple competitions.

Beyond that, Tottenham are not even guaranteed a place in the Europa League final. Bodo/Glimt - who have beaten Porto, Beşiktaş, Olympiacos, and Lazio at home this season, scoring at least twice in each of those matches - will back themselves to score a couple more against Spurs on their plastic pitch at the Aspmyra Stadion this Thursday.

Villa view the Premier League’s decision as a clear case of double standards, especially given that their own requests for fixture flexibility were previously denied.

Moreover, Villa are still battling not only for Champions League qualification but for European football in general.

If Crystal Palace win the FA Cup, seventh place would offer a Conference League spot instead of a Europa League one. Eighth place could mean no European football at all, should Palace defeat Manchester City at Wembley next month.

Every point counts. This weekend’s opponents, Bournemouth, could close the gap to just four points ahead of the final two matchweeks of the season.

Aston Villa objected to Tottenham's request to move their Premier League fixture at Villa Park

Aston Villa were quick to write to the Premier League after Tottenham Hotspur opened discussions about rescheduling next month’s fixture at Villa Park.

Spurs are seeking more time to prepare for a potential Europa League final, which would take place three days after their currently scheduled visit to B6 on Sunday, May 18.

That’s right - Tottenham are far from certain to reach the final, as Bodo/Glimt will have something to say about that.

The Norwegian side, who have beaten the likes of Porto, Beşiktaş, Olympiacos, and Lazio at home this season, hold the advantage of playing the second leg at the Aspmyra Stadion on Thursday, May 8 - a week before Spurs want to face Villa.

From Villa’s perspective, there’s clear reluctance to move their final home fixture of the season from a Sunday to a Thursday night.

The match includes several pre-organised family activation activities that would not be possible if it were held in the evening.

Beyond that, there should be no justification for the Premier League to assist Spurs considering they offered no such help to Villa this season or last.

Villa had to face Lille and Paris Saint-Germain when both French clubs had free weekends, as permitted by the LFP.

No accommodation was made for Villa, who limped over the line to secure Champions League football last season - a goliath effort considering Spurs had no European commitments whatsoever.

This term, Spurs have faced congested fixtures and struggled to cope, as reflected in their poor league record.

Currently sitting 16th with four games remaining, Ange Postecoglou’s side have lost 19 games this season.

Villa, meanwhile, are on course to better last season’s points tally of 68, despite playing in the Champions League and reaching the FA Cup semi-finals.

In April alone, Villa played every three to four days due to their commitments across multiple competitions.

Premier League rules state that a club may apply to the board to rearrange any fixture for a different date or kick-off time.

The rules also state that the board may, at its discretion, change the date or time of a league match, but must first consult the clubs involved and any others potentially affected.

Villa believe that assisting Tottenham now would be a case of double standards, especially after their own pleas for fixture flexibility were ignored.

If the Premier League granted Tottenham their wish, they would be making a rod for their own back next season and beyond with so many of their top clubs competing for European honours.

Moreover, Villa are still locked in a battle not just for Champions League qualification, but for European football more broadly.

If Crystal Palace win the FA Cup, seventh place would yield a Conference League spot rather than a Europa League one. Eighth place would mean no European football at all if the Eagles beat Manchester City at Wembley next month.

Every point counts. Bournemouth are looking to close the gap, and Fulham could move within three points of Unai Emery’s side with a win at Villa Park on Saturday.

Tottenham Hotspur have been in discussions with the Premier League to change the date of their match at Aston Villa next month

Aston Villa have written to the Premier League to strongly oppose Tottenham Hotspur’s request to bring forward their fixture at Villa Park next month.

It is understood that Spurs want the match to be rescheduled for Thursday, May 15, to allow more preparation time for a possible Europa League final, which is set for Wednesday, May 21 at the San Mames.

Villa are currently scheduled to host Ange Postecoglou's side three days earlier, on Sunday, May 18.

Tottenham must first overcome Bodø/Glimt in the Europa League semi-finals to reach the final, where they could face either Manchester United or Athletic Bilbao.

Villa strongly opposed Tottenham’s request, citing their own congested fixture list this season, which has frequently involved playing matches within a three-day span.

Moving the game to Thursday, May 15 would leave Villa with less recovery time following an away fixture at Bournemouth on Saturday, May 10 - especially for a match that could prove pivotal in the race for European qualification.

Last month, Villa played eight games in just 24 days, including their Champions League quarter-final tie against Paris Saint-Germain.

While the French champions were granted a free weekend by the LFP, Villa had to play away at Southampton just over 72 hours before hosting PSG for the second leg.

What do you make of the situation? Tell us here

Every day, the BirminghamLive football desk strive to deliver all manner of news, features and transfer-related stories as a part of our overall package of Aston Villa content.

Our dedicated reporter John Townley - who you can follow on X by clicking here - follows Villa home and away and offers you comprehensive coverage from matchdays, press conferences and everything that happens in between.

So much happens day to day and sometimes you can struggle to keep on top of the very latest updates as and when they occur - that's why we have produced a daily newsletter which you can sign up to, for free, and which means you'll have a round-up of the key stories land in your email inbox. Sign up to the Villa newsletter here.

You can also get all your favourite content from BirminghamLive's Villa team on WhatsApp. Click here to sign up for breaking updates about the biggest stories in and around the club.

If you prefer reading our Villa stories on your phone, consider downloading the BirminghamLive app, in which you can personalise the content you see by selecting Villa as one of your designated topics. You can get it from Apple here and for Android here.

Tony Mowbray greenlit a loan move for Tottenham Hotspur striker Will Lankshear before West Brom's transfer window ended

Tony Mowbray likes what he has seen so far from Will Lankshear in a West Bromwich Albion shirt so far, as the young loanee pushes for a first start when the Baggies face Millwall in need of a response on Saturday (kick off 3pm).

Albion were comfortably turned over by play-off rivals Blackburn Rovers on Wednesday night but Lankshear, borrowed from Tottenham Hotspur for the remainder of the season, turned in a second successive eye-catching cameo having been introduced from the bench in the second half.

There have been calls from some in the fanbase for Mowbray to partner the burly 19-year-old with fellow January signing Adam Armstrong, who scored on his debut in the win over Sheffield Wednesday but who saw another chalked off against Blackburn this week. Mowbray didn't rule that prospect out, either, after paying the teenager a compliment and promising that minutes are on the agenda.

However Albion line up when the team is announced at 2pm on Saturday, Mowbray has urged Lankshear, and indeed his centre forward counterparts, to ensure that he maintains a weekly selection headache, especially with the returns of Daryl Dike and Josh Maja on the horizon in the coming weeks.

"I think Lankshear did well when he came on the other day, but he's been very impressive in training," Mowbray said. "He's extremely strong for a 19 year old boy, he has immense power in both feet, he has intelligence and I'll be giving him game-time. The option will be sometimes to play Armstrong and Lankshear I suppose. Arma can play anywhere along the front. It'll depend what we need.

"You need to put players with goals against their name on the pitch. I am encouraged by young Will. He looks really exciting in training and, yes, we got Armstrong at the last minute who, in my mind, is guaranteed goals if you give him enough game time, but Will will be given an opportunity to play and hopefully he forces his way in.

"I was saying to Devante Cole the other day, when you get on the pitch bang one in because that'll make me think I have to give him a chance - his confidence will be up, he'll have scored. Don't come on, play on the wing and never see the goal - your job is to score. You want them all to do well but I can't play them all at the same time.

"It's good when you have guys banging the door because the guy in the team has to keep scoring or assisting to keep himself in the team. Let's see how we go, let's hope the strikers can really contribute."