Tottenham target named in starting XI

Long-term Tottenham target Jack Grealish has been named in Aston Villa’s starting line-up for the opening Championship fixture this evening.

Steve Bruce has decided to name the England Under-21 midfielder in his team that faces Hull, despite being continually linked with a move to Mauricio Pochettino’s side.

Earlier today, the Villa manager admitted that while they don’t want to sell Grealish, it is ‘difficult’ to compete with Tottenham Hotspur.

Grealish is reportedly keen to make the switch to London in order to fulfill his ambition of playing in the Champions League, but there is yet to be an agreement to be reached between both sides.

Villa’s financial situation has eased following a majority takeover from two billionaires, but still need to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations.

“There’s no question that he’s a really, really top player. I don’t say it very often, but he can play in any team. That’s what I think of him. Now, the two clubs haven’t reached an agreement yet,” Bruce told Sky Sports News.

“Now the owner has said he’s not for sale and that’s what he wants. In an ideal world that’s what we all want, me the manager, the supporters, we don’t want him to go.

“However, it will be difficult when we’re competing against a team that is one of the big teams in Europe now, not just this country. They’re a big team in Europe, competing in the Champions League.

“But the owner’s made it pretty clear that he doesn’t want to sell anybody and that includes Jack. If there is a huge, huge, offer then we’ll have to wait and see.”