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After spearheading the club to within touching distance of the Sky Bet Championship play-off spots, Aston Villa fans must surely be desperate for Tammy Abraham to sign on a permanent deal in the summer.

The 21-year-old's goals have been so crucially important for Dean Smith's men this season, having scored 21 goals in 30 games for the West Midlands side - a phenomenal record in front of goal.

After enduring a turbulent loan spell with Swansea City last season, Villa Park has been the perfect destination for Abraham to somewhat reignite his career, and he would surely love to be a key player for them in the top-flight - but ultimately this decision is down to parent club Chelsea.

And having made just three senior appearances for the Blues since emerging through the youth ranks at Stamford Bridge, the Blues may be licking their lips after recent transfer news, with reports claiming that Bundesliga side Red Bull Leipzig are preparing a £20million bid for the prolific forward.

If the worst does happen and Villa are unable to keep hold of Abraham beyond this season, we take a look at three replacements for Abraham that Dean Smith must be considering...

[snack_break title="Neal Maupay"]

A no brainer - Maupay has been phenomenal for Brentford this season, and is a player who Dean Smith will know especially well.

The 22-year-old has been in superb form for Smith's former club this term, scoring an outstanding 23 goals for the West London side.

He brings much more to the team than just goals, with the French forward producing eight assists this campaign as well. Smith knows how to get the best out of him, and it would be money well spent if Villa could acquire his signature.

[snack_break title="Matej Vydra"]

Another perfect replacement for Abraham would be Burnley forward Matej Vydra.

The Czech Republic forward was influential for Derby County last season and finished as the Championship's top scorer after scoring 22 goals for the Rams last season.

But the 26-year old has endured a turbulent time since his reported £11 million move to Turf Moor, having been limited to just three league starts this term. He could available for a bargain price and would be an excellent option for Villa.

[snack_break title="Famara Diedhiou"]

Famara Diedhiou could be another adequate replacement for Abraham - the 26-year old brings pace, power, and most importantly goals to the front-line.

The Senegalese striker has endured an impressive couple of seasons in England for Bristol City, scoring 14 goals in 36 games last season and netting 11 times this season.

The Robins must be sick of the sight of Villa having raided them for Jonathan Kodjia and signing their former star Abraham, but this could be another very good signing for Villa.

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