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Aston Villa news: Steve Bruce to hold crunch talks with Tony Xia
ASTON VILLA gaffer Steve Bruce is set to hold talks with owner Tony Xia about his January transfer budget.
Aston Villa boss Steve Bruce is due to hold talks with Tony Xia
Villa chiefs limited what Bruce could spend in the summer window due to Financial Fair Play concerns.
The club made a net profit of around £18million but Xia’s wallet is likely to stay shut for the time being.
And the Villa boss admits he will have to box clever again when the market opens in the new year.
He told The People newspaper: "The club will try to help me, I know they will. I'm due to see the chairman. He's talking to me. Money is an issue because of FFP - still.
"You don't have to be a rocket scientist to see how much money the club has spent over the years.
Aston Villa owner Tony Xia with Steve Bruce at the club's training ground
You don't have to be a rocket scientist to see how much money the club has spent over the years
"We spent £2m in the summer and took in £20m. Personally, I'm in credit. But I've still got a hole to look at.
"I understand it's difficult at a club like this.
"And I know the people here will do the best they can. We begged, stole and borrowed in the summer.
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"We got in Josh Onomah, Sam Johnstone and Robert Snodgrass - all on loan, all good players.
"That's the situation we are in - and that's what we are facing.
"And that's when I, as a manager, earn my money."