Leeds United identify Kalvin Phillips replacement as Aston Villa transfer pursuit hots up

Here’s the latest Aston Villa news on Tuesday, March 22.

Steven Gerrard has granted his non-international players the week off in the hope his squad come back refreshed and revitalised ahead of Wolves on April 2. The head coach believes a bit of respite away from Bodymoor Heath could really do the trick as he looks to finish the season strongly with just nine fixtures remaining.

The 10 senior players not on international duty - Emi Martinez, Ezri Konsa, Calum Chambers, Kortney Hause, Ashley Young, Douglas Luiz, Morgan Sanson, Emi Buendia, Marvelous Nakamba and Danny Ings - have been given strict training programmes to tick over at home or on holiday. Gerrard, 41, has encouraged his group to see family they haven't had the chance to see for a while as well. Ollie Watkins, meanwhile, was added to Gareth Southgate's England squad over the weekend.

Gerrard told us: "They will be given programmes to do when they're away from here. At this stage of the season, it's important to give them some time to spend with their families.

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Tammy Abraham is going from strength to strength in Italy as the former Aston Villa striker continues to impress under Jose Mourinho at AS Roma in Serie A.

The 24-year-old raised some eyebrows when he departed Chelsea for a move to the continent last summer, that in spite of reported interest from Villa and Arsenal. But he has proven himself to be a very astute signing for the Giallorossi even if they splashed over £35million on him in August.

Abraham has scored 21 goals in all competitions for Roma this season, and netted a brace in the Rome derby against Lazio last night. His 13 league goals this term have also helped Mourinho's side chase Champions League football, but Juventus and