Patrick Bamford linked as Aston Villa squad head for Austria
Roberto Di Matteo has selected a 24-man party for Villa's pre-season tour of Austria, as reports link the club with a loan move for Chelsea forward Patrick Bamford.
The group, which includes the likes of Tommy Elphick, long-term absentee Jordan Amavi and ex-skipper Stiliyan Petrov, flew out yesterday.
Notable omissions are Adama Traore and Jordan Lyden, who are both undergoing rehab on injuries, as well as Brad Guzan who recently represented the United States in the Copa America.
Di Matteo, assistant Steve Clarke, first team coach Kevin Bond, fitness coach Massimiliano Marchesi and goalkeeping coach Massimo Battara will be on hand as the squad face GAK Graz in a friendly match tomorrow.
Bamford, who was voted Championship Player of the Year for the 2014/15 season after a fruitful loan spell at Middlesbrough, is a target but is rumoured to have a number of options. A deal for Italian goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini is yet to be announced by the club.
