Aston Villa were denied a vital three points at the weekend after Preston North End came from two goals behind to earn a share of the spoils at Villa Park, in an entertaining Championship contest.

The Villains had looked on course for their first win since Boxing Day when a brace from Albert Adomah had them two goals to the good.

A North End side which has played some quality football this season had other ideas, however, with Jordan Hugill weighing in with a couple of goals himself to ensure a point a piece.

Boss Steve Bruce has been busy adding to his squad this month with goalkeeper Sam Johnstone and midfielder Henri Lansbury joining the club this month, with more set to follow before the transfer window closes on Tuesday week.

Having spent a fortune on players in the summer Bruce may need to offload a few in the next week and striker Ross McCormack could be the first to depart Villa Park.

Football League World writer Lee Clarke looks at two players who could follow the Scot out of the club before January 31st.

Gary Gardner

Gardner was dropped to the bench at the weekend following the arrival of Henri Lansbury and his first-team chances are now looking pretty shortcoming.

The midfielder is a solid player on his day and several Championship clubs would welcome him into their side should he become available.

It could be a slight wrench for Gardner to depart Villa Park as he has been at the club since his youth days, although his career would no doubt benefit from a prolonged spell playing first-team football.

Alan Hutton

The Scottish right-back has been a regular in the first-team this season but the imminent arrival of Barnsley youngster James Bree could see him ousted from the senior squad.

Hutton is 32-years-old and it looks as though Bruce is preparing to go with a younger model for the business end of the campaign.

Villa would be wise to cash in on one of their high earners should they complete a deal to bring Bree to the club.

Aston Villa fans, do you agree that these two players will depart in the January transfer window? Who else should leave? Let us know in the comments below!!!

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