JACK GREALISH
The talented midfielder, who has blown hot or cold throughout his short Villa career, has been linked with a move to Villa’s second team on Teeside.
Bruce may have some genuine thinking to do should a significant offer be received, depending upon how he see’s his Villa side developing.
Whilst Grealish has undoubted potential, harnessing this talent hasn’t been something Villa have been able to do consistently.
The high point of the 2015 FA Cup Semi-Final performance in which Grealish announced himself onto the football stage, hasn’t translated into anything of real note.
Indeed, there have been more off-field indiscretions making the headlines than those on it.
Many had tipped Grealish to really shine this season, allowing him a year to bed into the side away from the limelight of the Premier League.
Whilst there have been moments of quality, these have been all too fleeting during a period in which the side has been desperate for a creative spark.
It’s easy to get sentimental about players, but is Grealish irreplaceable? Â Or worse, would it potentially solve a looming question as to where or if to accommodate him?
Or is Grealish a jewel whom we should be protecting?
CHUBA AKPOM
Following reports in recent days that the Arsenal prospect is available for a loan move, the suggestion is that the deal is on.
A striker is certainly something that Villa need to consider with Gestede already gone, McCormack frozen out and Jordan Ayew linked with a move.
Akpom may prefer Villa given the opportunity of games and the chance to link up with Bruce whom he was under whilst at Hull last term.
Find out more about Chuba Akpom here.
MAX GRADAL
Villa have also been linked with a short term deal for winger/forward Max Gradal.
Gradal is currently surplus to requirements at Bournemouth who would prefer to sell the player.
However, Villa are only interested in a loan deal.
Gradal has a decent track record in England, before a 4 year spell in France. Â This included promotions with Leicester & Leeds United.
His return to England with Bournemouth hasn’t all gone to plan, largely due to him suffering a cruciate ligament injury. Â This sidelined him for 6 months until February of last year.
CONOR HOURIHANE
The transfer saga is over.
Villa today confirmed the signing of Barnsley’s midfield captain for £3.5 million.
Read all about Hourihane and what the latest addition to the revitalised Villa midfield means here.
We have gone from the worst midfield I’ve seen watching the villa in 35 years to one that I’m really excited about…great signings so far Steve…..we need a run of 3 points now to make a late charge….”in Brucie we trust”