Steve Bruce: Jordan Amavi speculation led to Aston Villa omission
Steve Bruce has revealed ongoing speculation over Jordan Amavi’s future led to him leaving the left-back out of Villa’s squad for Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Hull.
The 23-year-old has been linked with a move away from Villa Park for much of the summer and was on the verge of joining Sevilla in an £8million move last month, before the Spanish club pulled out of the deal claiming he had failed a medical.
Marseille are now the latest club thought to be interested in the former France under-21 international and Bruce admitted the speculation played a factor in his decision.
“With all the stuff that’s linked to Jordan Amavi, I’ve had to make a decision,” he said.
“I’ve had to leave one or two, three or four or five out.
“We’ve got too many so unfortunately he had to be left out but I just thought I probably need attacking players rather than defenders.
“I’ve got James Bree on the bench and he got the nod over Jordan.”
Tommy Elphick, Gary Gardner and Ross McCormack were also absent from the matchday 18 and Bruce admitted up to four players could leave before the transfer window closes at the end of the month.
Tottenham midfielder Joshua Onomah became Villa’s sixth signing of the summer when he joined on loan last week and made a cameo appearance off the bench against Hull.
Bruce is hoping for one more signing before the window closes.
He added: “There are still probably two, three or four players who will leave the club, maybe one more coming in but us managers are always looking.
“We are never satisfied and nor should we be. There’s one or two bits and pieces flying around but nothing imminent.”
