Tony Xia's plans excite Aston Villa boss Steve Bruce

The Villa manager, who has masterminded an incredible turnaround in form, has been excited by the owner's plans. And Bruce said the stability Xia has brought to Villa Park after years of decay under Randy Lerner has played a huge part in the turnaround.

"Dr Tony has been terrific," said Bruce. "The one thing the players need – and it's my experience in football – is stability at the top.

"If you don't have it – and people want to sell it or lose interest – then that filters through to every part of the football club. It filters to supporters, players, staff. Villa have had a bit of that over the past few years.

"It's now up to us to turn it around. For the future of the club and his plans, it's mouth-watering. We must take it step by step and get out of this division."

The boss is meanwhile hopeful defensive duo James Chester and Nathan Baker could be reunited against Leeds on Saturday.

Chester wore a protective mask on Saturday after suffering a broken nose against Brighton and Baker was substituted at half-time with a groin problem, and was being assessed yesterday.

And the club has been boosted by reports in France that left-back Jordan Amavi is keen to stay at Villa amid interest from Liverpool and Marseille.