Steve Bruce has made a worrying transfer admission, stating that Aston Villa will inevitably have to move on their prized assets this summer.

After failure to win promotion last season, Villa have been left in a difficult financial situation, with Bruce admitting to Sky Sports that Jack Grealish, James Chester and Jonathan Kodjia could be amongst those heading for the exit door.

In a ranging interview with Sky Sports, Bruce revealed he was committed to the cause at Villa Park, despite the fact that he looks set to lose some of his key men this summer:

“I have accepted it and committed myself to the cause and I think it is better to be open and honest with the supporters, warts and all, to say how it is.

“We know what to expect. We don't want to lose Grealish, Kodjia and Chester but the inevitability is we might have to so let's get ready for it."

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Grealish, 22, is a boyhood Villa fan, who last season was influential in leading the club to fourth.

This summer, Tottenham are pursuing his signature, with Mauricio Pochettino keen to add the midfielder to his squad in North London.

Chester was also influential last season, with the centre-back ever-present at the heart of defence.

Kodjia’s role last season was less impressive as injuries played havoc to his involvement. However, the 2016/17 campaign saw the Ivorian score 19 Championship goals in a struggling side.

Last week, Leeds United were credited with an interest in taking the 28-year-old on board.

Bruce’s squad have recently returned to pre-season training ahead of the 2018/19 campaign.

The Verdict

This isn’t good news at all for Villa’s supporters.

We knew player sales were expected, but Bruce admitting that publically will be hard for Villa’s supporters to take.

This update from Bruce will put the likes of Tottenham and Leeds on alert, as they look to raid Villa Park.

Villa fans… Let us know your thoughts!

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