Paul McGrath sends message to Tony Xia about Aston Villa key man

By Amir Mir

Aston Villa legend Paul McGrath has called for owner Tony Xia to use his powers of persuasion and convince striker Jordan Ayew to stay at the club amid interest from French side Bordeaux.

As reported by Football Insider, the fans favourite is in talks with the French club in a bid to move away from Villa Park.

Holte-End hero McGrath believes the club should keep hold of the player as was one of the few men to emerge with any credit from the wreckage of their relegation last season.

"As regards Jordan Ayew staying at Aston Villa, I'll be asking the man Upstairs to ask him please stay!" McGrath posted on his personal Twitter account. "One of the few that can hold his head high."

Ayew, who moved from French side Lorient last summer for a fee of £8million, has been a target for a number of clubs including Turkish giants Galatasaray, with the 24-year-old stating he has no desire to play second-tier football.

The Ghana international showed glimpses of promise last season despite wretched performances by the team which resulted in them picking up just 17 points for the season.

Former Republic of Ireland international, McGrath is regarded as one of the greatest players in Villa's history after notching up 322 appearances for the club during a seven year period.

As reported by Football Insider, Di Matteo will be looking to keep hold of his star players, but he has admitted he is now beginning the process of trimming his large squad.

In other Aston Villa transfer news, Roberto Di Matteo is beating off competition from a Premier League club for the signature of a 24-goal-a-season striker.