Following a disappointing mid-table finish last semester, Aston Villa look prepared to challenge for a place in the top-six this season, with Steve Bruce’s men prime candidates to appear in the end of season playoffs.

The former Hull City boss strengthened well in the summer on a limited budget, bringing in a plethora of experienced players to bolster a squad littered with youthful prodigies, and it appears Bruce has found the right balance in the West Midlands this term.

Injuries have rocked the side in recent weeks however, and the loss of influential striker Jonathan Kodjia to ankle surgery will have come as a big blow to the club.

Lewis Grabban has been linked as a potential replacement, but with Bournemouth sure to demand a sizeable fee for the Sunderland loanee, Bruce may have to look elsewhere for his new man.

With that in mind, this pair could be targeted instead…

Nahki Wells

Wells joined Burnley in the summer after helping Huddersfield to the Premier League, but the striker is yet to make a league appearances for Sean Dyche’s high-flying side this season.

A prolific scorer with both the Terriers and Bradford City, the Bermudan international has a lot to offer in the second tier, and would surely find the back of the net for fun with the talent surrounding him at Villa Park.

Robert Snodgrass and Jack Grealish have devastating deliveries, and Wells in the type of player Bruce would love to have on the end of his winger’s crosses.

Wells will be keen on a move, and Bruce should approach Dyche in the coming weeks to enquire as to the player’s loan availability.

Leandro Ulloa

The Leicester man has made just two substitute appearances in the Premier League this season accounting to eight minutes of action, and it is clear the player has no future under Claude Puel at The King Power Stadium.

Ulloa was fantastic during spells with Almeria in Spain and with Brighton in the second tier, and could certainly do a job in this Villa side.

Fantastic in the air and willing to work, Ulloa knows how to find the back of the net, and his powerful nature could work well in Bruce’s system.

The 31-year-old will be keen to move having seen his chances severely restricted at Leicester, and Bruce should look to tie up a deal for the player in the new year.

Villa fans, would either of this pair work in your system? Have your say below...