"They've rejected a bid but I'd like to have the player," said the Villa boss.
"I don't control these things but I think we've made a bid and that will be the end of it.
"That's the price the chairman has set and that's it and it is not a bluff.
"We know there is about £6million left in the kitty and I'm trying to persuade the club to use that to buy the player.
"I'm just asking the club to try to use the bonus money that we have earned through our form last season. I think we have been successful."