The feeling around Villa Park as of late is one of uncertainty, with the clubs forever growing problems with finances.
The club is said to be in need of funds in excess of £40m, and the sales of key players will be the answer to that. James Chester and Jack Grealish are expected to leave the Villains, with Chester being chased by newly-relegated Stoke City. Gary Rowett’s men have already submitted a formal bid of £5m for the Welsh international, but Steve Bruce’s men are holding out for around £8m, a full recuperation of the fee paid to West Brom for the centre-back.
On the Jack Grealish side of things, a host of top clubs in England are vying for the signature of the former England youth international. Once tipped to be a future star of English football, the 22-year-old’s career has stalled in recent years, Grealish’s transfer could very well be drawn out, due to Villa’s inflated price tag of £40m.
As for transfers in, Bruce is looking to complete his first signing of the summer, and it comes as no surprise that they are looking into free signings. The Birmingham Mail reports that former Burnley midfielder Dean Marney is training with the club ahead of a potential free transfer.
The 34-year-old was released by the Clarets this summer and would be a solid, reliable singing for any Championship club. Villa must learn from previous mistakes with wages, with the likes of Glenn Whelan and Mile Jedinak earning upwards of £35k a week in England’s second tier.
Marney’s Premier League status may force Villa’s hand, but if they are too fix their problems, they will have to settle for less expensive taste.
