Chief Executive Keith Wyness has said that he’s confident Aston Villa will sign the three or four quality additions identified by manager Steve Bruce this summer.
With the earlier report – Click Here – claiming that Bruce would only have £1million plus whatever he raised from sales to barter with this summer, Wyness wouldn’t give official figures for budgets for the coming 2017/18 campaign, but he did say he was confident budgets would enable us to achieve what we hope to.
The BBC have Wyness explaining.
‘There are about three or four targets. We can easily achieve that with the budgets we have.’
Wyness also dismissed the ‘shock’ element applied to Bruce in previous coverage, saying Bruce had always been fully on board with how finances would be run in light of Financial Fair Play and our summer and January spending in the year of 2016/17.
‘I’ve spoken with Steve and the words ‘shocked’ and ‘stunned’ didn’t come to mind – it’s maybe journalistic speak. Steve understands completely. I’m already in discussions and active on a number of deals.’
He also more than acknowledged that next season we needed to see real improvement on the pitch.
‘There’s no getting away from it, this summer is a key summer for Villa. Thirteenth is just not acceptable, we know that. I think it’s below a pass. We didn’t achieve anywhere near the targets we set out for. However, ‘must do better but there are promising signs’ – I think that’s the report card.’
The Birmingham Mail have additional quotes from Wyness where he discusses the futures of Jonathan Kodjia and Jack Grealish.
Beginning with Kodjia, Wyness explained.
‘No. There has been no bids or conversations. I think, given his injury, I`d be surprised if someone was to take a chance on him now anyway. That said if someone comes in with a ridiculous amount then of course.’
With no return date yet set following Kodjia’s broken ankle, he will miss the start of the new campaign but Wyness hinted he might be back sooner than expected.
‘He will come back strong and will be fine. He looks after himself well as an individual and he may come back quicker than hoped for.’
As for Grealish, waiting on news about the England Under 21s and their trip to Poland over the summer, he went on to say.
‘There is no intention or discussion about selling Jack. However, everybody is for sale at the right price – so if Real Madrid want him we will see! But there is no discussion.’
Vital Villa on:
Join Vital Villa
It’s easy to REGISTER, simply click the link and enjoy getting involved!
