Bruce accepts he may have to sell players this summer despite the takeover

Aston Villa are still facing short-term cashflow problems despite last week’s takeover by Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens because much of next season’s income has already been spent.

A source who vetted Villa’s finances during the takeover process has told The Times that the money generated by season-ticket sales and a significant proportion of the club’s Premier League parachute money has been used this summer to clear existing debts.

Villa missed a £4 million payment due to HMRC in May and were also struggling to make payments due to other creditors before Sawiris and Edens provided some hope by taking majority control of the club last week.

The billionaire businessmen have paid Tony Xia £30 million for a 55 per cent stake in Villa and