Forssell, who is currently on loan at Blues until the end of December, has been the target of clubs both in England and abroad since his loan from Chelsea began most notably from neighbours Villa who said they were interested in signing the Finland international during the last summer break. "Other clubs had the chance to take Mikael and could not afford him - it's as simple as that," said Bruce. "I am talking about clubs close to us who knew the price - and they play in claret and blue! "I have heard and seen quotes that Aston Villa want Mikael Forssell. I don't think that Villa can afford him. "They had the chance but that shows how far we have come. "We have got an agreement with Chelsea that Mikael Forssell can be our player beyond the Christmas period."
"They could not afford Mikael three or four months ago so how are they going to afford him now? I don't know." 
