Steve Bruce cashed in on Nathan Baker after being so impressed with Aston Villa newboys John Terry and Chris Samba.
Homegrown ex-Villa trainee Baker, 26, has been allowed to join Championship rivals Bristol City.
The left-footed defender's sale is one of a raft of exits as Villa balance their books to comply with Financial Fair Play.
But MirrorSport also understands boss Bruce sanctioned the sale after been delighted with veteran duo Terry and Samba.
Terry, 36, and Samba, 33, both joined on Bosmans this summer on one-year contracts.
Their pre-season form, fitness and attitude has impressed both the coaching staff and team-mates.
Former Chelsea captain Terry has mucked in with the squad and memorably sang 'Stand By Me' as his initiation song.
While Samba, a free agent since leaving Panathinaikos last January, has been training with Villa this summer and lost a lot of weight to earn a deal.
After Baker's exit, Ross McCormack, Gary Gardner and Tommy Elphick are also all available to go.
Meanwhile, Aaron Tshibola has joined MK Dons on a season-long loan deal , left-back Aly Cissokho is heading to Turkey and Jordan Veretout has moved to Fiorentina.