The Express and Star's Luke Hatfield has delivered an update on Aston Villa defender Tyrone Mings amid speculation linking him with a move to Newcastle United in the January transfer window.

What's the story?

Reports in recent days have suggested that the newly-minted Magpies will be turning their attentions towards Villa's club captain, but Hatfield has now played down those links.

He told GIVEMESPORT: "I’d be surprised. Tyrone Mings is obviously a massive player for Aston Villa."

Could back-fire massively

While Mings has endured a very disappointing start to the Premier League season - so much so that Dean Smith even dropped him from the starting line-up against West Ham - there's no questioning that when the 28-year-old is on song, he can be a very commanding and authoritative presence at the back.

The defender was one of the stars of England's run to the final of Euro 2020 over the summer, with former Three Lions centre-back Rio Ferdinand waxing lyrical about him after the first couple of group games.

The ex-Man United stalwart said: "I think he’s done really well in the games. Tyrone Mings has probably been one of the standout players over the first two games.

"I was one of the people who was quite sceptical of him going, let alone playing. But he’s done really well, you have to take your hat off to him. He’s played two games that have probably suited his way of playing. But you’ve still got to put the performance in and he’s done that."

While the £27m-rated centre-back may not have been at his best this season, it would be a very hasty call by Villa to get rid of him completely, especially to a Premier League rival like Newcastle.

The Magpies find themselves just five points behind Villa and will likely be major players in the transfer market come January. Signing Mings would not only strengthen them, but weaken a team who they feel they could overtake not just this season, but in the years to come too.

Gerrard simply has to keep the 28-year-old away from Newcastle's clutches and avoid making a mistake which could backfire massively in both the short- and long-term.

Meanwhile, Ashley Preece has revealed what Gerrard has "transformed" at Bodymoor Heath...