Despite a minor lull in form, Aston Villa remain very much in the mix for a top-six finish, with Steve Bruce’s side possessing the quality to see out the job this season.

Injuries have ravaged the squad at Villa Park in recent months however, and Bruce will know the importance of the January transfer window in his side’s progression towards securing a playoff spot.

Star striker Jonathan Kodjia was ruled out for the season after breaking his ankle for the second time in a year whilst training with the Ivory Coast international side, and experienced defender John Terry has been sidelined for sometime through injury.

Bruce is set to have a next to nothing budget due to Financial Fair Play restrictions, so will be forced to target loan deals in the new year.

These three men could emerge as potential targets…

Leonardo Ulloa

 

The Argentine has seen chances at Leicester City severely limited this season, and it appears that the player no longer has a future in the East Midlands.

Manager Claude Puel could allow the 31-year-old to leave on loan in January in order to secure first-team minutes, as well as to showcase his talents to earn a permanent sale in the summer.

Villa need a big, solid striker to lead the line, and Ulloa fits the bill perfectly.

If Bruce can convince the former Almeria man to drop back to the second tier, then goals will come at Villa Park.

Aleksandar Mitrovic

Could the temperamental Serb be the perfect addition to Bruce’s promotion-chasing side?

The 23-year-old has the ability to find the back of the net, but has seen his progress stall at Newcastle in the past year.

Mitrovic is an absolute menace in the air, and his strength and physical nature could make him the focal point of the Aston Villa attack, with his ability to hold up the ball and bring others into play a characteristic that will draw Bruce to the player.

His temperament is an issue however, but Mitrovic could prove to be a gamble that pays off.

Beram Kayal

Another central midfielder wouldn’t go amiss at Villa Park, and options do not come much better than the Israeli international.

Keyal is a talented player, and has consistently proven his worth since arriving in Britain with Celtic in 2010.

Keyal has appeared just once for the Seagulls this season and could be deemed surplus to requirements in the new year, and Bruce should look to strike.

If Chris Hughton can be convinced to allow the midfielder to leave on loan until the end of the season to get him off of the wage bill, then Bruce will secure the services of a top talent with bags of experience.

Villa fans, would you take a chance on Mitrovic if he were available? Have your say below...