Steve Bruce has warned Tottenham Hotspur that they will not sign Jack Grealish on the cheap, despite Aston Villa's current financial difficulties.
Villans chiefs are believed to have already held talks with their Tottenham counterparts over a sale for Grealish, potentially freeing up funds for Bruce to strengthen his squad in other areas.
Following the incoming arrival of Egyptian billionaire Nassef Sawiris and American businessman Wes Edens, however, Villa are now standing firm on their initial valuation of the 22-year-old, rumoured to be in the region of £40m.
"I know for a fact from the owners - new investors - anybody wanting to buy Jack Grealish will not buy him on the cheap," Sky Sports News quotes Bruce as saying. "It's only what somebody else is prepared to pay - what he's worth. Until I have the conversation I can't really answer the question.
"What is he worth? Who knows? [But] If we have to sell them then at least we get the right price for them and can move forward. When you're up against it and hanging your dirty washing out in public then the vultures are circling and ready to nick your assets.
"At least that's not going to be the case - well I know that's not going to be the case - because I've had that conversation already. So if anybody is going to buy one of our players now they are going to have to pay a premium."
Liverpool and Manchester United have also reportedly shown an interest in Grealish over the past few months.
