Aston Villa: The five players most likely to leave Villa Park

Aston Villa must offload several players this winter in hopes of trimming the squad. For Steve Bruce to improve his club with new signings, he must send others away in reverse. Here are five players most likely to leave Villa Park this summer.

Outgoing number two goalkeeper Mark Bunn is a question mark next season. Aston Villa may be interested in a one or two-year extension, especially given the fact Sam Johnstone isn’t officially on-board as of yet. Bunn completed the final year of his two-year contract with a handful of league appearances in Pierluigi Gollini’s relief.

Villa could do better in finding a number two ‘keeper, but it may not be in their best interest to splurge some of their little budget on a second this summer.

Steve Bruce is thought to be after a central defender. Marc Roberts of Barnsley made the rounds as did Bruce’s son, Alex Bruce, 32. With three senior central defenders in the squad, Tommy Elphick seems like the most likely casualty.

Elphick will only move if another deal for a center back is made. Even then, it’s not 100% the ex-Bournemouth captain will be seen the door. Whatever the case, it’s clear Steve Bruce does not trust Elphick; instead preferring to use Mile Jedinak out of position.

Moreover, Aston Villa have a pair of loanees who could net the club over £10+ million combined. Carles Gil, 24, spent the season away at Deportivo. The port city wants him back permanently, but financial distress puts a deal in question. In any case, other La Liga sides should theoretically be interested in the attacking midfielder. A £2-3 million price should motivate club executives.

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Jordan Veretout represents the second part of this loan equation. The French midfielder could net the club £8 million or so to an intrigued Ligue 1 side. Saint-Étienne, whom Veretout spent the season on loan with, may not be able to afford such a price. The club is highly interested i

Finally, we have Villa’s most prized defensive asset, Jordan Amavi. Amavi struggled in his return from a serious knee injury this season. However, his shine abroad did not dimmer. Atlético Madrid are interested in Amavi to compete with incumbent left back Filipe Luis.

The 23-year old left back should return at least £10 million in today’s market. That’s far less than the reported £25 million owner Tony Xia said he turned down (might not be entirely true), but still more than the £9 or so million Villa paid two summers ago.

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