Steve Bruce has his Aston Villa side in a great position in early 2018, with the Villans well placed in the Sky Bet Championship table to push on for a promotion back to the top-flight.
Back-to-back victories, the first against Middlesbrough and the second an impressive showing against Bristol City, have put Villa right back into contention following a recent slump, with Bruce’s side currently fifth in the table.
Despite Villa’s lofty position in the Championship table, a recent slump in form over the course of December left many questioning their promotion credentials, something that Bruce will not want to happen again this season.
It is likely that additions will be made during this month’s transfer window, as Bruce looks to finalise his squad ahead of one final push for a Premier League return.
With that in mind, here is a look at THREE players Villa should be looking to sign in the coming weeks…
Jack Marriott – Peterborough United
The Peterborough forward could come up against Villa in the FA Cup this weekend, and Bruce will be well aware of the threat the striker possesses.
The 23-year-old has 21 goals across all competitions already this season, and he is likely to be on the radar of a number of Championship clubs this January.
Villa need a striker, and if they are to turn to the lower leagues, Marriott is the standout.
Sam Johnstone – Manchester United
Reports linking Johnstone to West Bromwich Albion will worry Villa’s supporters, as the on-loan goalkeeper has been magnificent for Bruce’s side this season.
Villa can’t afford to lose Johnstone this month, and if they do, it could seriously dent their promotion hopes.
Bruce and Tony Xia need to act and get the goalkeeper at Villa Park on a permanent deal.
Reece Burke – West Ham United
Burke could be a shrewd loan addition to Bruce’s squad this month, if Villa has prise him away from West Ham on a temporary basis.
The 21-year-old central defender already has experience of the Championship, and would add more cover to a position that Villa have been caught short on occasion this season.
There is stiff competition to sign Burke and Villa should move to compete.