Kieran King

Aston Villa are close to completing a season-long loan for West Ham right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka, with a conditional option to buy. The defender has been allowed to travel for a medical after positive talks, and is expected to compete with Matty Cash. Villa are also pursuing Bayern Munich midfielder João Palhinha on loan, while Kosta Nedeljkovic is expected to join Rangers and further signings Matteo Ruggeri and Zion Suzuki are nearing completion.

Chelsea set-piece coach Austin MacPhee confronted a member of Johor Darul Ta'zim's coaching staff after Antonio Glauder appeared to make a heavy tackle on Liam Delap during a 3-3 pre-season draw. Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso intervened and restrained MacPhee. Delap continued, while an own goal from Glauder helped Chelsea secure the draw. The incident came during Chelsea's Far East tour as Alonso continues assembling his coaching staff, with the club seeking to recover from a mid-table season that involved three managers. Chelsea will next face Real Sociedad before opening their Premier League campaign against Fulham.

Birmingham City secured a 1-0 pre-season victory over Burton Albion thanks to a first‑half goal from August Priske, who continued his strong form with a composed finish. Burton suffered multiple early injuries and struggled to create clear chances, while Birmingham controlled possession and rotated their squad heavily at half‑time. A hamstring injury to Gardner-Hickman was the main setback for Birmingham in an otherwise routine preparation match ahead of the Championship season.

Birmingham City secured a 1-0 pre-season win over Burton Albion with August Priske scoring the decisive first-half goal after a pass from Carlos Vinicius. Chris Davies rotated his squad heavily at halftime, with several players impressing, including Jhon Solis, Demarai Gray and Jay Stansfield. Burton created little threat, while Birmingham missed further chances through Tomoki Iwata and Patrick Roberts but held firm defensively to maintain a clean sheet and continue a strong pre-season run.

Aston Villa reached an agreement with Chelsea to sign Alejandro Garnacho on a season‑long loan with a conditional obligation to buy. The 22‑year‑old forward, who struggled in his first season at Chelsea after a £40 million move from Manchester United, has completed a medical and is set for a four‑year contract if the transfer becomes permanent. The move follows approval from new Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso, who confirmed Garnacho was free to leave. Villa have been active in the transfer market, spending nearly £100 million on several signings while also allowing key departures, including Youri Tielemans joining Manchester United.