Dean Smith tells Aston Villa's out-of-contract stars: 'Destiny is in your own hands'

Alan Hutton, Glenn Whelan and Tommy Elphick are among a number of senior players whose current deals expire in the summer.

Villa have made reducing the average age and cost of the squad a cornerstone of their long-term plan, with sporting director Jesus Garcia Pitarch poised to begin reviewing which contracts will be extended next month.

But boss Smith has no concerns over the motivation of those players whose deals might be coming to an end.

He said: “Motivation comes from within. It is an opportunity for them now. If they are successful at this club, there is more opportunity to earn another contract. If you are not successful and not playing well, you have less opportunity.

“That is common sense. It is like people who aren’t playing in the team. If you go out and train and don’t train well, are you more likely or less likely to play the next game?

“You are less likely, that is common sense.”

Villa will rebuff any approach for Jonathan Kodjia before next week’s transfer deadline, after reports Angers were interested in taking the striker on loan.

“He is second top scorer at the club,” said Smith. “There is no reason we would be looking for Jonathan to leave.”