Jordan Veretout confirms he wants to leave Aston Villa
Unhappy midfielder Jordan Veretout has confirmed he wishes to leave Villa this summer.
The 24-year-old is due to return for pre-season training with the rest of the squad next week, but his heart will not be in it.
Veretout still has three years left on the five-year deal he signed two years ago, but he does not figure in Steve Bruce's plans.
"I belong to Aston Villa, I have a contract with them," he told the French press. "I can not do anything. I am obliged to go back there for the preparation.
"My wish is not to stay there, everybody knows.”
The Frenchman spent last season on loan at St Etienne, and would ideally like to return to Ligue 1, where he previously had success with Nantes.
However, Villa want to recuperate as much of the £7million they spent on him two years ago.
No team has managed to meet their valuation of the France under-21 international yet, leaving Veretout in limbo for the time being.
Elsewhere, the race for Sam Johnstone's signature has turned into a straight shoot-out between Villa and Middlesbrough, but the North East club is in pole position.
Jose Mourinho is willing to sell the 24-year-old goalkeeper who spent part of last season on loan at Villa Park, but Boro are currently leading the way.
Meanwhile, a group of Villa supporters are trying to raise £500 in order to buy a banner that will be displayed at the pre-season friendly against Watford dedicated to the late Graham Taylor at Villa Park on Saturday, July 29.
