Give stars new deals says Steve
STEVE BRUCE will offer fresh contracts to his best player and club captain in a statement of intent that Aston Villa mean business.
Villa’s boss has recommended that Jack Grealish and James Chester receive pay hikes as the club get to grips with their new status.
Egyptian Nassef Sawaris and American Wes Edens have assumed control at Villa Park – saving the club from financial oblivion.
Now, in a bid to warn off Tottenham and other suitors, Bruce wants the pair to be rewarded.
Midfielder Grealish has two years left to run on his contract which, at just shy of £1million a year, is way behind plenty of his teammates.
Bruce said: “If it would help Jack stay, of course we’d offer him a new contract.
“We’ve had no offers for anyone, apart from James Chester. It wasn’t accepted.
“I told him and, to be fair, he didn’t want to go. It was just the response I would want from my new captain. We’ll talk about a new deal after the window closes.”