Since Steve Bruce took charge at Villa Park, Aston Villa have come a long way and now have a strong chance of securing an immediate promotion back to the Premier League.

To do that though, strengthening in January is vital.

Despite their charge, Villa are still playing catch-up in the race for promotion and are yet to break into the top-half of the table, currently sitting seven points behind sixth-placed Leeds United in the play-off positions.

To bolster his side's chances of success in the second-half of the season, Bruce will have to dip into the mid-season market to increase the ability at Villa Park and completing deals quickly is also advised, as it will give Villa an immediate boost.

Here, we've identified THREE targets that Villa should be gearing up to land immediately upon the opening of the transfer market in the New Year- as they can be the catalysts for success.

Abel Hernandez

The Uruguayan striker has been heavily linked with a move to Villa Park ever since Steve Bruce's appointment, amidst reports the Scottish boss is keen on a reunion with the man he managed at Hull City.

With Hernandez also keen, this deal should be easy to complete.

Villa do have plenty of striking options at the club but none that can take the promotion battle by the scruff of the neck and propel them over the finishing line.

With Hull also rumoured to be interested in Rudy Gestede, Villa could kill two birds with one stone.

Sam Johnstone

The young Manchester United goalkeeper is set to move on-loan in the January window and Aston Villa are amongst those said to be interested.

By moving quickly next month, Bruce's side would ensure they don't miss out and would bolster their ranks significantly.

A host of Championship sides are said to be interested in the 23-year-old but Villa could be the perfect surroundings for him, capable of aiding his development and providing him with regular first-team opportunities - and Bruce's links with Manchester United could come in handy.

Bartosz Bereszynski

The 24-year-old Polish international may not be one of the biggest names out there but Aston Villa would be securing a great piece of business if they land the defender from Legia Warsaw next month, as Bereszynski has all the makings of becoming a top-class defender.

Villa's back-line features many of an ageing guard so moving for a young, international talent like Bereszynski would be a shrewd move in both the short-term and the long-term of the club.

He's also unlikely to be too expensive, which would leave funds available to bolster other areas of the squad.