Steve Bruce makes Aston Villa offer to Dele Alli
Spurs' in-form midfielder Dele Alli made the difference as the north London side saw off Villa's FA Cup challenge – and boss Steve Bruce admits he made the rising superstar a cheeky offer.
"I asked Dele Alli if he would come and play for us," Villa manager Bruce joked after the match.
"He said 'someday Steve I'd love to' but I think 80 million might be too much for us."
Bruce rued the moment Spurs chief Mauricio Pochettino brought on his match-winner which helped save Tottenham's blushes against a resolute Villa side.
"He certainly changed it for them. He has that quality that really top players have. I wished he had sat on his a**e, we might have been better off."
Bruce handed Gabriel Agbonlahor only his third start of the season for the tie and the forward could have given Villa the lead when his close-range finish was blocked by Toby Alderweireld in the second half.
"Gabby has played all his life in the big league," Bruce said.
"Whatever has happened in the past – and we all know the stories.
"We have now got him in some sort of shape. I thought he lasted extremely well and was a threat.
"It's up to him now to grasp the opportunity in January in particular.
"In the three months I've been here he has done everything asked of him after what's been a difficult time for him."
