Report: Agbonlahor to be shown exit door by Aston Villa

Despite taking no action over the forward being pictured smoking a shisha pipe during a brief trip to Dubai recently, Aston Villa is now prepared to sell club captain Gabriel Agbonlahor.

Related: Villa's Agbonlahor in clear over Dubai jaunt

The 29-year-old is the side's longest-serving player after making his professional debut with Villa in 2006, but The Telegraph's John Percy reports that taking his £54,000-a-week salary off the wage bill is seen as a priority following its inevitable relegation this season.

Agbonlahor was left out of the matchday squad for last Saturday's 4-0 home defeat to Chelsea, and has only mustered 13 league starts and one goal over 2015-16. Due to his sporadic appearances, Micah Richards has donned the skipper's armband.

Aston Villa is currently without a manager after dismissing Remi Garde last week, with Eric Black assuming caretaker duties until a successor is picked. Nigel Pearson, David Moyes, and Sean Dyche are believed to be the frontrunners for the helm.

Bournemouth visits Villa Park on Saturday, with the home side beginning the day 15 points adrift of safety with eight matches remaining.