Jordan Ayew: Aston Villa striker to remain with Championship club

Jordan Ayew (r) has already been on target for Aston Villa in their pre-season friendlies

Aston Villa striker Jordan Ayew is to remain with the Championship club after manager Roberto Di Matteo revealed that there is no release clause in the player's contract.

Villa look likely to lose Idrissa Gana to Premier League side Everton.

But there is no risk of Villa losing 24-year-old Ayew, who moved from France in July 2015 when he signed on a five-year deal from Ligue 1 side Lorient.

"We're not looking to sell. It is not a question," Di Matteo told BBC WM.

"Gana was totally different. He had a clause in his contract but nobody else has."

Speculation had linked Ayew, whose brother Andre plays for Swansea City, with a move to West Ham United, while there has also been reported interest in him from clubs in Europe.

But new Villa owner Dr Tony Xia has already said that he wants Ayew to stay and Di Matteo added: "Jordan Ayew is going to stay here. He is going to be part of our plans. His qualities will shine."

Ghana international Ayew was Villa's top scorer last season, netting seven goals in 30 Premier League appearances, of which seven were as substitute.

Di Matteo's public stance on midfielder Gana's future came on the same day that goalkeeper Brad Guzan left to sign for Premier League side Middlesbrough on a two-year contract.

Since he took charge on 2 June, Di Matteo has added goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini from Italian side Hellas Verona, as well as signing Bournemouth defender Tommy Elphick and Reading midfielder Aaron Tshibola.

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