Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce has issued a firm warning ahead of the winter transfer window, insisting the club will not be selling any of their key players in January.

With the transfer budget at Villa next to nothing, there were suggestions that the former Manchester United captain would be forced to sell before he could buy, but Bruce has insisted that he will not part ways with his players in the new year.

However it does appear that funds in the war chest have indeed dried up, and Villa will be forced into the loan market if they wish to improve upon their current options next month.

“What I don’t want is to sell anybody who is a value to us right now,” Bruce insisted to The Birmingham Mail.

“I don’t think we would lose one of our better players in January.”

The Verdict

Bruce’s words will please Aston Villa fans, after the club were forced to part ways with French full-back Jordan Amavi in the summer to free up funds for new signings.

Villa are in desperate need of a new striker, and may be forced into the loan market for a goalkeeper, with suggestion that Manchester United could recall Sam Johnstone from his loan spell in January.

Bruce worked wonders in the summer on a tight transfer budget, and will do so again in January, in the hope that he can secure several quality additions that will be enough to get his side over the line this season.

Villa fans, where does Bruce need to improve the squad in January? Have your say below...