Aston Villa

THE ESSENTIAL

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez has said that he believes the club has a bright future, thanks to the ownership of David Whelan. It's been a difficult two-and-a-half years for the Spaniard but he did reject an approach from Aston Villa over the summer.

Barry Bannan has been suspended by Aston Villa while the club carries out an inquiry into his car crash the motorway.

Roy Hodgson fears that West Brom striker Shane Long may have a serious knee injury following a tackle on him by Alan Hutton. The Aston Villa player lunged in on Long in their derby match and walked away without punishment. Hodgson said: "It will be very interesting to see what the experts think but I thought it was an appalling tackle. Shane's lucky not to have two broken legs. He has a serious knee injury I would think."

Under a new club rule, all Aston Villa players must live within a 30-mile radius of their training ground.

Scotland will start with Cardiff City's Don Cowie and Aston Villa's Barry Bannan in their midfield for the game at Hampden Park against Lithuania.

Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish has said that the signing of Alan Hutton from Tottenham is a coup for the club. The Scottish right-back had been out of favour at White Hart Lane, and McLeish said: "He's a good signing for us. We do lack a bit of experience in the squad. To get Alan, an international in his prime is a great coup for us."

Aston Villa right-back Luke Young looks set to move to QPR. The 31-year-old isn't in Alex McLeish's plans and is in London discussing a deal.

Aston Villa have agreed a fee with Manchester City for goalkeeper Shay Given. Villa are looking to rebuild their squad following the departures of Brad Friedel, Ashley Young and - probably - Stewart Downing.

Liverpool and Aston Villa have finally come to an agreement for the transfer of English winger Stewart Downing. It is believed that the Reds have moved to meet Villa's £20 million valuation of the player.

Aston Villa are yet to receive a bid from Arsenal for Stewart Downing despite reports that the Gunners have joined the race for the winger.