The transfer window may have closed weeks ago but clubs are still able to delve into the free agent market to secure some fresh faces.

That has to be the case at Aston Villa. After sacking Steve Bruce on Wednesday afternoon, fresh faces are vastly needed and this stretches beyond the managerial hot-seat.

Bruce had been keen to recruit John Terry on a free transfer following his impressive displays with the club throughout last season, but it seemed that he turned his attention elsewhere to look for a free deal.

Now Bruce has gone, Villa should look to go into the market to get a bargain or two.

In pursuing the aim of getting back into the Premier League under a new manager, Villa could do far worse than exploring the possibility of signing some experienced heads for no cost at all.

So, here at FLW, we look at THREE players Villa may target to bring in for free…

James Collins seems to be a name that won’t go away for Villa, in terms of potential transfers. The ex-West Ham defender is a free agent after being released from the Premier League club in the summer.

The Scotsman actually made his name in the top flight at Villa, so a move back to Villa Park would make sense for both parties.

Patrice Evra may seem a bit of a name plucked from left field, but the experienced full-back may find his level in the Championship with Villa.

The Frenchman spent last season at West Ham United but struggled for games, but at Villa, he could add some character in the dressing room that seems to be sorely missed.

Lacina Traore would represent a massive gamble for Villa, but it could work. The 6 foot 8 in striker has had a torrid few seasons on loan at various clubs, scoring only a handful of times due to injuries.

Despite this, the forward nicknamed the ‘big tree’ could return to his goalscoring best in the Championship and as a free agent, he could be worth a risk.