Monday 23 January 2017 15:03, UK
Aston Villa are willing to listen to offers for unsettled striker Ross McCormack following his bust-up with manager Steve Bruce.
McCormack was left out of Villa's squad for Saturday's 2-2 draw with Preston after missing several training sessions in the early part of last week.
On one occasion the forward used the excuse that his electric gates at his home wouldn't open, prompting Bruce to go to McCormack's home to see the gates for himself, and the Villa boss was furious the striker had used that as a reason to skip training.
Sources have told Sky Sports News HQ that McCormack hasn't settled in the West Midlands after leaving Fulham on a £12m deal in the summer, and he would be keen on a move back to London.
It is also understood that Villa may be prepared to let him leave in this month, if the right offer comes in for him but there have been no formal approaches for the player so far.
Speaking after the draw with Preston, Bruce outlined his frustration with McCormack's antics.
"In my opinion he is not fit enough to play and he will not play unless his attitude towards training and missing training improves," Bruce said.
"If that improves then I will reconsider him but if he continues to miss training, as he has done, that will be the situation.
"There has been too much indiscipline here at Villa. Not in 20 years in management have I ever gone down this route but I feel I have to make a stance because I will not put up with it on my watch.
"He has decided the team has picked itself. How can I pick him when he doesn't come into training?
"His failure to turn up for training has happened more than once. Everyone can have an excuse but when it is more than once I will not accept it."
Asked why he's been absent from training, Bruce said: "His gates were stuck."
