Aston Villa are reportedly unwilling to offload four first-team members when the transfer window reopens in January.
The Birmingham Mail claims that manager Steve Bruce has no intention of selling Scott Hogan, Henri Lansbury, Jack Grealish and James Bree at the start of the new year.
Although there was speculation surrounding the futures of all four players, the newspaper reports that they are likely to play an important for the club during the tough Christmas period.
Good news for Villa?
Getting rid of four players from the first-team squad would only be seen as a backward step for the club and it is refreshing to see that Bruce has made the emphatic decision to keep them.
Although the likes of Hogan and Lansbury have failed to live up to expectations so far at Villa Park, possessing strength in depth in the Championship could potentially play a key role in helping the team secure promotion.
Hogan has only managed to notch up four goals in 40 appearances for the club and although patience might be running out amongst the fans, one goal at a key moment can change the situation and he could go on fantastic run.
Since his January move from fellow league rivals Nottingham Forest, Lansbury has been a disappointment and failed to stamp his authority in the midfield.
It would be unfair for Villa to offload defender Bree as he is still only 20-year-old and he can learn a lot from the likes of John Terry and Chris Samba this season.
With regards to Grealish, he is just recovering from injury and he should be given the opportunity to prove himself with the first-team.
All four players need to step up this season and if Villa fail to finish in the playoff places, Bruce should then let them leave and look for better replacements.
This Is Futbol rating 7/10
Likely to happen?
It all depends on whether other teams are willing to take a gamble on the players and if there is any interest, Bruce might consider his options.
However, all four players could potentially hit form at the right time and prove to become valuable assets to the club so the current situation is not so clear cut.
Bruce must also take into consideration whether he will be able to find the suitable reinforcements in time.
This Is Futbol rating 6/10