Express & Star

Dean Smith: Aston Villa don't need to sell

Dean Smith dismissed claims Villa may have to sell players to meet financial fair play rules – and also rejected claims Jack Grealish has a £45million escape clause in his contract.

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The Villa head coach spoke out following reports in a national newspaper claiming the claret and blues could be the first club in the Premier League to face sanctions over financial losses unless they raise funds in January.

The report also claimed Grealish could be one of the prized assets to be sold, stating he had a £45m buy-out clause inserted in the five-year contract he signed last year.

But Smith categorically rejected that, stating that none of his players have release clauses in their deals.

Smith, who leads his side into a crunch relegation battle against Southampton at Villa Park tomorrow, said the club had ‘very wealthy owners’ in Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens who are looking to build the club around their best players.

“We don’t plan to sell any of our players,” said Smith.

“I’ve said it before, we have got two very wealthy owners who want this football club to move forward.

“You can only move forward with your best players at the club, so I don’t envisage any players leaving us.”

Villa go into tomorrow’s clash with the Saints 17th in the Premier League table, having lost their last three league games.