Before the start of this current campaign, many believed that Aston Villa would bounce straight back up to the Premier League however, it hasn't been plain sailing so far for the club.
Villa currently find themselves on their second permanent manager this season, but there has been definite signs of improvement since former Birmingham City boss Steve Bruce took the reigns at Villa Park.
Bruce can currently boast a 50% win rate since taking over from the under-performing Roberto di Matteo and he will no doubt be targeting a late push into the Championship play-off places.
Villa currently sit 7 points behind Sheffield Wednesday, who occupy the last play-off spot and it is clear that the play-offs remain a real possibility.
This article is going to take a look at THREE players that Villa boss Steve Bruce could bring in this month to help catapult his team into play-off contention...
James Bree
Aston Villa currently find themselves embroiled in a hotly contested race for the signature of Barnsley youngster James Bree.
Despite being in competition with some of England's biggest clubs, it would be of no surprise if the Villans where to come out on top in this race, as the Championship club will be able to offer something that the top flight teams cant, first team football.
Bree is certainly making a name for himself with Championship club Barnsley and is fast becoming one of the hottest properties in the division.
The 19-year-old is a very classy, calm and composed fullback who is also capable of stepping into midfield if needed.
The youngman is already close to making his 50th appearance for The Tykes and it will no doubt taking a sizeable fee to prise him from the club.
Jeffrey Schlupp
A recent report from The Guardian has linked Aston Villa with making a 12 million pound bid for Leicester City man Jeffrey Schlupp, a signing that could potentially be the difference between the club making or missing out on the play-off spots come the end of the season.
Schlupp’s stock rose last season as he played a vital role in Leicester City’s remarkable title win, the jet heeled wideman made 26 appearances for the Foxes last season, and put in some crucial battling performances during the run in to the title.
The 24 year old can play anywhere down the left hand side, either as a winger or fullback and can also play as a frontman if necessary. Schlupp is a very athletic footballer, he is blessed with incredible pace and power and has proved himself to be a real handful for any opposition defender.
Henri Lansbury
Villa look set to secure the signature of Nottingham Forest midfielder Henri Lansbury this month, a signing that could certainly help Bruce's men catapult themselves up the Sky Bet Championship table and into contention for the play-off spots.
The former Arsenal trainee is a very talented footballer with excellent technical ability, he is the creative heartbeat of the current Forest squad and it will be a major blow to them if Lansbury departs the City Ground this month.
Lansbury's potential was recognised earlier on his career at international level by England for whom he was capped at under under 16, 17, 19 and 21 level.
Lansbury is currently enjoying his fifth season with Forest and looks in need of a fresh challenge as The Reds currently find themselves languishing down in 20th place.