THE INTENSIFIED REPORT

Steven Gerrard has been appointed new coach of Aston Villa following the dismissal of Dean Smith, the club announced on Thursday. Gerrard guided Glasgow Rangers to the Scottish Premiership title last season, finishing the campaign undefeated in the league. The 41-year-old has attracted many admirers in the game for his work in transforming the fortunes of the Glasgow giants while also implementing an attractive, attacking style of football. Gerrard, who enjoyed a glittering playing career with Liverpool and England, joined Rangers in 2018 following a spell as an Academy Coach at Liverpool.

 Watford have completed the signing of Nigerian defender William Troost-Ekong, from Udinese.  The Nigerian International penned a five-year contract at Vicarage Road. The 27-year-old, who was born in the Netherlands, began his senior career in the dutch Eredivisie with Groningen and Dordrecht before spells in Belgium and Norway. He then joined Bursaspor in Turkey before moving to the Serie A with Udinese in 2018. He has played 42 times for Nigeria and will take the number five shirt at Watford. Watford also signed 17-year-old Djibril Toure from Ceffomig FC on a five-and-a-half year deal.

 After two wins in two matches, Leicester City are at the summit of a very fresh English Premier League Table. Leicester walloped Burnley  4-2 at home, to maintain their perfect start to the campaign. Frank Lampard's Chelsea succumbed to pressure from Champions Liverpool, as they were beaten 2-0 at home. Two goals from Senegalese forward Sadio Mane, ensured that the Champions remained unbeaten after two games. Manchester United were stunned at home by Crystal Palace. The Reds lost 3-1 to Crystal Palace, a result that has called for more signing to be made before the transfer window closes. James Rodriguez inspired rejuvenated Everton side to a 5-2 home win against newly promoted West Brom. Calvert-Lewin bagged a hatrick in that encounter. Everon are second on the log. Jose Mourinho side eased past The Saints, in a game that ended 5-2 in favour of Tottenham Hotspurs. Son bagged four goals in that encounter. Arsenal, Brighton and Leeds also secured maximum points in their

A Bournemouth player was one of two people working for Premier League clubs who tested positive for COVID-19 following a second batch of testing, the club said on Sunday. Bournemouth did not disclose the player’s identity but said he would self isolate for seven days in line with league protocols before another test is conducted. "AFC Bournemouth can confirm that one of its players has tested positive for COVID-19, following the club's second round of testing," Bournemouth said in a statement  here . “Following strict adherence of the Premier League’s return to training regulations, the club’s training ground remains a safe working environment for players and backroom staff, who will continue to be tested for COVID-19 twice per week.” Since players returned to limited group training on Tuesday, eight positive tests for the virus have been confirmed at England’s top-flight clubs. Six individuals, including Watford defender Adrian Mariappa and Burnley assistant