ASTON VILLA stood firm yesterday and warned their rivals that £30 million-rated midfielder Jack Grealish would not be sold on the cheap despite their mounting financial problems.

The cash-strapped Midlands club are determined they will not be held to ransom.

Grealish is Villa’s best option of raising a quick lump sum of cash as they look for £40m to comply with Financial Fair Play rules, but they will hold firm on their valuation.