Aston Villa's automatic promotion hopes have been all but surrendered in recent weeks but manager Steve Bruce will still be hoping to revive his team ahead of what looks like being a tilt at promotion via the end of season play-off lottery.

Villa had looked on course for a genuine chance of reaching the top two a few weeks ago but three defeats in four games have curtailed those ambitions, instead forcing Bruce and his men to focus firmly on finishing strongly and regrouping ahead of the play-offs.

The Villains signed some quality players during the summer transfer window ahead of the current campaign and it seems likely that the club will continue splashing the cash until promotion is achieved.

Neil Taylor was one man who arrived during the summer and Football League World writer Lee Clarke looks at four players who could arrive this summer and be classed as upgrades on the former Swansea City defender...

The 31-year-old is currently plying his trade for relatively unknown Russian side UFA but only has one-year left on his current contract and he would surely relish a move to a club the size of Aston Villa.

The Slovenian international was a quality loan signing for Nottingham Forest back in 2016 and his Championship expertise would be a useful attribute for Steve Bruce to consider.

The current Burnley left-back sees his contract expire at Turf Moor in the summer and his presence in any Championship side would instantly make that team a more solid proposition.

Ward boasts ample experience in England's top two divisions and on the international stage with Republic of Ireland, making him a quality signing that Villa must consider ahead of next season.

The West Bromwich Albion man only arrived at the Hawthorns back in August but following the club's relegation it seems unlikely that he will stick around next season.

With Villa boasting some of the best attendances in the second tier, and offering massive potential on the pitch, there is every possibility that Gibbs would consider the drop into the Championship if it was for a club like the Villains.

The Cardiff City left-back has been a solid presence in Neil Warnock's back four this season but it remains to be seen whether he will keep his place in the side should they win promotion to the Premier League.

If Villa are still a Championship club next season then Bennett might be a solid signing for the club and certainly one that Steve Bruce should consider.

Aston Villa fans, would you welcome these players to the football club? Let us know in the comments below!!!