Aston Villa boss Unai Emery admits selling Danny Ings to West Ham has left them short.

However, Emery insists it was the striker's decision to leave in January.

Ahead of a reunion with Ings on Sunday, Emery said of the decision to sell him: “I'll explain it. I was working with him here for two months. A very, very good guy. A very good player; experienced. Very respectful in the dressing room and we decided because, as well, he had a very good offer from West Ham and we lost a little bit of something without him.

“We accepted it because it was a very good offer for him and because, as well, we decided to follow with Watkins and to add a young player, Jhon Duran.

“For me, the most important process I had with him was to be respectful. Of course, he's a threat on Sunday and we have to be careful. We are going to be alert with everything that he can do."