Boss: Hogan injured, not on way out

SCOTT Hogan was left out of Villa’s pre-season training camp in Portugal due to a groin injury, Steve Bruce has revealed.

The striker was a shock omission from the group which travelled to the Algarve last Thursday and it only served to ramp up speculation he could be shown the exit.

However, Bruce has insisted Hogan’s absence is solely due to the injury, which he’s been nursing all summer.

“Scott Hogan has got a bit of a groin (injury),” he said. “He had it most of the summer so we’ve decided to leave him at home to get treatment. Let’s hope he can make a bit of a recovery in the next week so we can put him through his paces as well.”

Sheffield United are interested in Hogan and their manager, Chris Wilder, has confirmed they have made a number of bids for targets.

Hogan, a £12 million signing from Brentford in January 2017, has scored seven times in 50 Championship appearances.

Meanwhile, Newcastle are yet to make contact with Villa over 15-goal Albert Adomah, the Birmingham Mail understands.

Adomah has been linked with a move to Tyneside with Rafa Benitez growing frustrated in his pursuit of Crystal Palace winger Andros Townsend. Fans’ favourite Adomah is a cheaper alternative for the Magpies.

Adomah, 30, is attracting interest following the most productive season of his career. The Ghana international grabbed a best-ever haul of 15 goals in claret and blue last term, playing a key role in Villa’s rise to the play-off final.

It’s understood Adomah wanted to extend his contract at Villa towards the end of last season and initial discussions were held with former director of football Steve Round.

Bruce is keen for Adomah to stay but that decision may not rest entirely with him, as he is seen as a saleable asset.

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