Aston Villa are enduring another abysmal season in 2016/17.

After a disappointing relegation to the second tier for the first time in the Premier League era last season, Aston Villa fans would have been hoping to bounce straight back up.

However, they instead find themselves just six points clear of the relegation zone and without a win since Boxing Day.

Just the one point in 2017 is a terrible stat, especially considering that they spent big money in the summer and then again in January as they tried to find a way out of this rut.

Rather than spending loads of cash on numerous players, Aston Villa might have been better served letting some of their talented young stars get some game time.

There are a number of upcoming talents in the Villa academy and here are 2 players that could be worth a lot of money in the near future if they continue to progress.

Niall Mason

Niall Mason has had an interesting career so far, spending time in the academies at Real Madrid, Al Sadd, Blackburn, Southampton and Aston Villa.

And the 20-year-old is currently experiencing his biggest learning curve so far out on loan at Doncaster Rovers, where he has played 28 games so far.

The versatile defender is eligible to play for USA, India or England and if he continues to develop his game and eradicate his errors, he could be a household name in the future.

Andre Green

Everyone knows about talented winger Andre Green but his potential cannot be understated.

The 18-year-old turned down approaches from a number of Premier League big boys in the summer to stay with Villa and he has been handed 13 appearances this season, mainly off the bench.

If Villa can hang onto the England youth international for another two or three seasons, then he could well be worth an eight figure fee.