Villa name slimline squad

Aston Villa have only named a 22-man squad for the first half of the Premier League season.

Each club can name up to 25 players, eight of whom must be homegrown, who will be eligible to represent the club until the transfer window reopens in January.

They can be supplemented by an unlimited number of homegrown under-21 players, and Villa have left the door open for emerging stars like Marc Albrighton, Nathan Delfouneso, Ciaran Clark and Fabian Delph.

Stephen Ireland is Villa’s only new signing while reserve-team regulars Eric Lichaj, Isaiah Osbourne and Jonathan Hogg all make the cut.