Bruce hit by Villa cash freeze

Steve Bruce has been hit by a cash freeze at Aston Villa which means he must sell players before he can buy.

Bruce will have to revamp his Championship squad on a limited budget this summer as part of a Football League clampdown on spending.

The Villa manager held talks with director of football Steve Round and Keith Wyness, the chief executive, on Thursday over the club’s summer strategy, and was informed that he can only sign players on loan unless he raises funds himself. The Daily Telegraph understands Bruce wants to sign at least five new players, after the club finished in a disappointing 13th place, but is now reassessing his plans.

Bruce will look to sell players including Jordan Amavi, Carles Gil, Jordan Veretout, Tommy Elphick and Aaron Tshibola, in an attempt to generate money for transfers. Fiorentina have already sealed a £2.5 million deal for midfielder Carlos Sánchez, who spent the season on loan there. But it leaves Bruce’s hopes of signing Manchester United goalkeeper Sam Johnstone in a £3 million deal in the balance, with another loan move more likely.

Villa stressed that owner Dr Tony Xia remains committed to the club, after a mammoth £70 million spend this season, and the cutbacks are a result of Financial Fair Play regulations.

New rules dictate clubs can lose up to £83 million over three seasons – but recent Villa accounts in February revealed a deficit of £81.3 million, which leaves the club dangerously close to possible punishment.

Bruce branded the season “unacceptable” after failing to mount a promotion challenge, admitting there must be a dramatic improvement in the next campaign.