Tony Xia has admitted that Aston Villa are ‘powerless’ in their attempts to hold onto Everton target Idrissa Gueye.
Ronald Koeman has reportedly met the £7.1 million release clause in the Senegal midfielder’s contract as the Blues look to kick-start their summer business.
Villa chief executive Keith Wyness has publicly aired his displeasure at his former club’s attempts to prise Gueye, 26, away.
But Xia, the Championship club’s owner offered more a frank admission.
“There are several clubs up to him now,” he wrote on Twitter.
“And if he wants go, we are powerless.”