Aston Villa legend Nigel Spink has claimed Steve Bruce may have to sell before he can bring in any players to Villa Park this window.
Speaking on "?BBC Radio West Midlands' Football Phone-In, the former Villa shot stopper said that he fears owner Dr.Xia may be tightening the purse strings at the club.
Aston Villa: Nigel Spink reveals the problem with the players https://t.co/cx6f2D4TyA #avfc pic.twitter.com/Yk1CjrxDU2
"I think that Steve Bruce has to finalise his own deals in January," Spink claimed.
"The owner has stepped back, he has been quiet on Twitter.
"Only last week he was banging on about getting four in, I think Bruce is possibly going to have to finance the deals."
Working hard every day now. About 7-8 targets ongoing but if we could get 3done, then it's not bad result. If 4, would be great. https://t.co/9Eg4YAba1u
Villa have been very active so far this window but worryingly for fans, most of the club's business has seen players leaving.
Spink claimed, "That's why Gestede, Cissokho and Gollini have gone, get the wage bill down to enable him to get anywhere near the type of signings he needs to do.
"I hope I am wrong, the owner has gone quiet, and he hasn't been quiet since he took over at the club. I hope something doesn't smell, it's a little bit worrying at the minute," said the former European Cup winner.''
Villa have been linked with several players this window include Henri Lansbury, Jordan Rhodes and Barnsley duo James Bree and Conor Hourihane.
Yet so far the only player to arrive at Villa Park has been goalkeeper Sam Johnstone - who joined on loan from Manchester United this month.
Villa spent around £50m in the summer to bolster a team that was relegated from the Premier League with the third worst record in the league's history.
However, players such as Jonathan Kodja, Ross McCormack and Mile Jedinak could not prevent boss Roberto Di Matteo from losing his job after just eleven games in charge.
New manager Steve Bruce brought a change in fortunes but in recent weeks the club have been struggling again and have now lost their last three games in all competitions.
Up next for the Midlands side are two home games against Preston and Bristol City.