Ghana striker Jordan Ayew has travelled with Aston Villa to Austria for pre-season despite intense rumours about his future.

He has been included in Roberto Di Matteo’s 24-man squad for the week-long trip.

Ayew is expected to play his first pre-season match for Villa on Saturday when they take on GAK Graz before returning to England next Friday.

Aston Villa’s pre-season squad:

Goalkeepers: Mark Bunn, Jed Steer.

Defenders: Tommy Elphick, Nathan Baker, Joe Bennett, Micah Richards, Jores Okore, Joleon Lescott, Alan Hutton, Jordan Amavi, Aly Cissokho, Leandro Bacuna.

Midfielders: Idrissa Gueye, Ashley Westwood, Jordan Veretout, Gary Gardner, Carles Gil, Jack Grealish, Stiliyan Petrov.

Forwards: Scott Sinclair, Gabby Agbonlahor, Jordan Ayew, Libor Kozak, Rudy Gestede.