Marco Asensio’s future at PSG remains uncertain after the club loaned him to Aston Villa during the winter transfer window. The Spaniard impressed in the Premier League, but Aston Villa initially

Villa acknowledged that they breached the rules for the fifth time last season in their 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur at Villa Park in May.

Aston Villa's free-kick experts will have been watching with interest as Premier League officials started the new season with a new clampdown. It is a major skill to find the top corner from 30 yards but players will have seen that referees are now taking a close eye on what their teammates are up to as they line up a shot or cross.

Newcastle lacked a cutting edge without star striker Alexander Isak and drew 0-0 at Aston Villa on Saturday in the Premier League's opening round. Isak was left out as he tries to push for a move to defending champion Liverpool.

Newcastle dominated the first-half, although neither side broke the deadlock. Anthony Elanga was played through on goal early doors, but his shot was saved. The visitors ended up having eight shots, while Villa did not trouble Nick Pope in the Newcastle goal once.

Eddie Howe has shared his transfer plans for a key position ahead of the Aston Villa match, while uncertainty over Isak’s future continues.

Aston Villa host Newcastle United on August 16 in their opening Premier League fixture. Transfer intrigue is dominating the build-up.