Steve Bruce: Jordan Veretout and Jordan Amavi will keep training with Aston Villa
Wantaway stars Jordan Veretout and Jordan Amavi will remain training with Villa's first-team squad until their departure from the club is sealed, boss Steve Bruce has confirmed.
The French duo are among four players for whom Villa have received offers and appear certain to leave for pastures new this summer.
But Bruce will keep them very part of the set-up until then, with the club determined to recoup as much money as possible for a pair who cost a combined £19million when they were signed two years ago.
Speaking from the club's pre-season training camp in Portugal, Bruce explained: “Amavi and Veretout are here. They’ve got to train because it might not happen.
“If two clubs can’t agree, transfers fall down."
Sevilla are favourites to sign left-back Amavi, having already seen a bid of £5.3million turned down last month.
The Spanish club are understood to be returning with an improved offer worth up to £8million with add-ons but a fee is yet to be agreed.
St Etienne are meanwhile keen to take midfielder Veretout on a permanent deal but are yet to meet Villa's £7million valuation. The 24-year-old, who spent last season on loan at the Ligue One club, is also interesting Nantes.
Spanish playmaker Carles Gil, another player who is poised to leave, has not travelled to Portugal as he recovers from an injury. Left-back Aly Cissokho is another injury-related absentee and is wanted by Turkish outfit Goztepe.
“There’s one or two of them close but not got over the line," continued Bruce.
“You wait from afar and let the two clubs agree a deal.
“It’s fair to say that everybody knows who the players are.
“There’s big interest in Amavi, interest in Veretout and Gil. They’re the ones under scrutiny."
