Steve Bruce has enjoyed a tremendous impact with Aston Villa, taking the Midlands outfit from the lower-end of the Championship and propelling them right back into the race for an immediate return to Premier League football.

There's still a lot of work to be done though and Bruce needs a significant boost in January to cut the deficit with the sides ahead of Villa, as the 2015 FA Cup finalists are playing catch-up in the promotion race due to their poor start to the season.

However, there will be plenty of players available in January that can provide a massive boost to Bruce's Villa and signing Timothy Fosu-Mensah on-loan would be a very shrewd acquisition, helping Villa climb the table and establish themselves in the top-six.

Here, we've identified TWO reasons why Bruce must do everything he possibly can to land Fosu-Mensah from Jose Mourinho's Premier League giants, as it's the sort of addition that could provide the difference come May.

Manchester United links

Timothy Fosu-Mensahddd

Steve Bruce, formerly a Manchester United player, will already have his foot in the door with the club and his contacts at the Red Devils could prove to be invaluable.

If they were to land Fosu-Mensah on-loan and guide the Dutch youngster into positive performances, Villa could find themselves first in-line to secure further players on-loan from United in the future.

This wouldn't just been an addition to please the Manchester United board though, as Fosu-Mensah is tremendously talented and is rated as one of the best up and coming youngsters in the Premier League - so he should certainly thrive in the Championship.

Solidify the defence

Aston Villa's Nathan Baker celebrates scoring their first goal with team mates

 

Conceding 20 goals in 19 Championship games is far from the worst record in the division but the fact Villa have scored just 21 in return will be a concern.

If they're going to carry on under-scoring, they need a defensive addition that can prevent them shipping goals at the other end.

Timothy Fosu-Mensah could be that man, either when providing a protective blanket to the defence in a defensive-midfield role or by playing in the back four himself.

Able to play in the middle of the park, the centre of defence or at full-back, Fosu-Mensah's versatility will certainly aid Bruce's side shore up their defensive ranks.