Aston Villa are slowly starting to re-build their reputation as the club has been in turmoil for over the past 5 years.

The slow decline finally reached rock bottom in May as they were relegated from the Premier League for the first time in their history.

Fans voiced their concerns in the final few games of the season stating that ‘they wanted their old club back’.

However, the situation has taken a turn for the better after a £76 million takeover from Chinese businessman Dr Tony Xia was completed and transfer funds of up to £35 million will be available for the summer.

After a long wait, the fans may have something to look forward to and hopefully ensure that their stay in the Championship is a brief one.

The players were severely criticised for their lack of passion and under performance last year.

Promotion will ultimately be the minimum target for the club and the players that decide to remain at Villa Park will be given the opportunity to prove themselves in the Championship to make sure they deliver the goods for the everyone associated with the club.

Football League World Writer, Ashley Williams identifies THREE Aston Villa players you need to watch out for in upcoming season…

Jack Grealish

grealish

The Aston Villa winger did not get off to the best of starts to his professional career, with his personal life taking an affect on his career.

The youngster will need to get his head down and focus on his game, and a year in the Championship with Villa could do him a world of good.

Grealish showed signs of his talent last year, but I feel that he does have much more to offer.

Roberto Di Matteo has issued that he would like to keep the youngster as he believes that he will be one of the players that Villa need to spark their revival.

Tommy Elphick

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The new Villa defender made the decision to drop down from Premier League side AFC Bournemouth for a £3 million fee to help Villa re-ignite their reputation.

He made just 14 appearances during Bournemouth's first season in the top flight because of an ankle injury.

One of Villa’s downfalls was their extremely edgy defence that looked terrified every time an attack was forged against them.

The central defender has the experience and stability to be a star defender at Villa Park and he also has experience of Championship success.

Adama Traore

Adama Traore

The signing of Traore from Barcelona last year perked up the ears of the Villa fans, but he was never given the opportunity to deliver under Tim Sherwood and Remi Garde.

Similar to Jack Grealish, he has a lot to live up to in the Championship, but whenever he has appeared for the club, he has shown signs of his bursting pace and trickery that will cause nightmares for defences in the upcoming season.

Traore could be a big player for Villa this season and the tough nature of the Championship will be key in his development at such a young age.

Aston Villa fans.. Are these the THREE players you need to watch out for in the 2016/17 campaign? Do Grealish and Traore have a lot to prove? Will Elphick steady the defence? Let us know in your thoughts and opinions below!