Aston Villa’s recent form has been outstanding, with Dean Smith’s side looking likely for play-offs for the first time in a few months.

Villa were extremely inconsistent in the first months of Smith’s tenure, but recent wins against Nottm Forest, Derby and rivals Birmingham City have instilled a sense of belief around Villa Park.

A football cliche often used is that a team needs to lose a final to win one. Well, Villa lost the play-off final last year, so a year older and wiser, who knows what may happen if they get there this time.

They will certainly be planning for the summer window whether it be recruiting players for a Premier League survival bid or a promotion push again.

Here, we look at two players we think they must be monitoring ahead of potential summer transfers. 

Do you agree, or can you think of another player that you think they should try to sign at the end of this season? Let us know in the comments section below. 

Neal Maupay 

Neal Maupay was certainly one of the best players in the league under Dean Smith at Brentford, and while the manager may have a gentleman’s agreement not to sign any of his former players, Villa should move for Maupay.

With Tammy Abraham unlikely to stay if Villa are not promoted, Maupay would be a good replacement for the Chelsea loanee.

Phillip Billing

Huddersfield look set to come down, and you wouldn’t expect them to return any time soon. 

One of their best players this season has been Phillip Billing, the tall yet energetic defensive midfielder.

Billing would be a perfect signing for Villa as he would sure up the midfield and give Smith’s men more control.