Aston Villa were unable to re-sign John Terry due to paying Yannick Bolasie's wages in full, according to reports from the Birmingham Mail.

The Villans were extremely interested in re-signing last season's club captain Terry after his release from the club last term, but were unable to cope with the defender's wage demands.

And according to reports from the Birmingham Mail, Villa's deal to bring in Yannick Bolasie on loan from Everton scuppered any hopes of landing the former Chelsea captain.

Terry was close to signing for Spartak Moscow before his move to Russia broke down in the final stages of the deal, and this gave Villa fans hope in sealing a deal to sign him for the second time in two years.

But the arrival of Bolasie on loan from Everton seems to have proved too costly for the West Midlands club, who are believed to be paying the winger's £70,000-a-week wages in full.

Steve Bruce has come under major scrutiny in recent weeks as his side fell to another defeat at the weekend against Sheffield Wednesday, and now sit 13th in the table after three wins, four draws and two defeats.

The Verdict

Villa undoubtedly need a centre-half to shore up their leaky defence, and whilst Bolasie looks to be a shrewd addition for Villa, a centre-half is muchly needed having conceded 14 goals in the league this season.

Cheaper free-agent options such as Steven Caulker and James Collins may now be viable options.