Loan stars boost

ASTON VILLA’S promotion hopes look set for a boost from Jose Mourinho and Maurizio Sarri.

New boss Dean Smith has received feedback from Manchester United and Chelsea that two of his club’s star loanees will be staying put.

Smith has been impressed with both defender Axel Tuanzebe and striker Tammy Abraham and was hoping that they would not be recalled to Old Trafford or Stamford Bridge respectively.

Smith said: “Last week Eddie Newton, who is in charge of the loans at Chelsea, came up to see how Tammy was going. He seemed really pleased.

“And this week we have had Manchester United on to us, just checking on Axel and there’s been no red flags from either of them to suggest that they want them back which is good news for us.”

Smith’s assistant, John Terry, has links with Mourinho and Chelsea. He added: “I’d like to think that might swing it in our favour.” NEIL MOXLEY