By Graham Hill
ASTON Villa could still be handed another financial hangover even if they are promoted to the Premier League next week.
Failure to beat Derby County at Wembley would see Villa suffering more FFP restrictions and having to lose key players such as Jack Grealish.
But winning the showpiece final means they will also have to dish out bonuses to players who have fallen by the wayside during a turbulent few seasons after being relegated in 2016.
The Sunday People reveal that Ross McCormack – who still has another year left on his Villa Park contract and is on loan at Motherwell – Gary Gardner – who has been on loan at Blues – Scott Hogan – who went on loan to Sheffield United – James Bree – loaned to Ipswich – and Henri Lansbury, would all get huge pay rises if Villa are promoted.
Only Lansbury has stayed at Villa Park under Dean Smith but he has been a fringe player.
The People say that the proposed payments would amount to around £4million in bonuses.
But the deals are a result of players being brought to the club on big contracts and have not delivered.
Owners Wes Edens and Nassef Sawiris are set to foot the bill – but the blows will be softened by the fact that Villa would be back in the top flight.
Villa Roar 