With finances uncertain, Aston Villa must bite the bullet and sell Jack Grealish as soon as possible.

The focus should be on having an established line-up for the beginning of the season. With Grealish’s departure increasingly inevitable, Steve Bruce’s side will benefit from the situation being sorted sooner rather than later.

Having missed the first three months of the season with a kidney problem, Grealish went on to have a sensational season. Pulling off 2 key passes, 3 dribbles, and 2.1 shots per game, the 22-year-old midfielder was Villa’s main chance creator. Indeed, his end of seasons stats of three goals and five assists do not do him justice. He was the key piece of Villa’s attack. His season nearly climaxed with one of the great Play-Off goals when he slalomed through half the Fulham defence.

Deprived of Grealish, Villa are a poorer side. Yet with the midfielder debating whether it is time for him to leave and Premier League clubs circling, Villa will benefit from completing his sale quickly. The funds that he brings in will help stabilise the club's financial state. They will also offer greater flexibility in the transfer budget.

Consequently, Bruce will have more time to find a replacement. This will then allow more of the pre-season to be undertaken with the team that will take the field against Hull on the 6th August.

Selling a key player who has been at the club for so long is a painful process. Villa have to face up to doing it as soon as possible.