Aston Villa boss Steve Bruce has been warned the club cannot afford free transfers this summer.

The Mirror says Bruce has been told Aston Villa can't even afford free transfers while they are in financial crisis.

Embattled Chinese owner Dr Tony Xia is trying to find new investment or a new owner for Championship Villa after their play-off final loss.

It means boss Bruce is still yet to get any spending on new players signed off this summer.

He has identified free agent Robert Huth, available after leaving Leicester, to replace John Terry.