Aston Villa are set to be involved in the play-off picture, with the final weeks of the campaign determining the Villains' opponents in the semi-finals of the end of season shoot-out.

Manager Steve Bruce will be disappointed that his side were unable to maintain pace with second-placed Cardiff City, with a patch of unfavourable results also resulting in the surrendering of third place to Fulham.

On the whole the squad has been good, but striker Scott Hogan continues to disappoint following his mega money switch from Brentford.

The Irish international will be fearing for his future, with this quartet sure to be on Bruce's radar as potential upgrades on his current options...

Reid was converted from a midfielder into an all out forward by Lee Johnson over the summer, in what has proven to be the most inspired decision in the short career of the young manager.

The 25-year-old's pace and power has been unmatched by many second-tier defences this term, with Reid on course to break the twenty goal mark and secure the Golden Boot, an impressive accolade given his lack of prominence last year.

If Villa go up then a switch will appeal to Reid who will find it difficult to leave his boyhood club, but Premier League football has the capacity to warp the mind of any star.

Ready for the top-flight, Bruce must put in a bid if his side are promoted.

Perhaps Bruce will turn his head to the continent and some of Europe's less scouted leagues this summer, with Spain's second-tier sure to appeal given the exploits of Valladolid's Jaime Mata.

The 29-year-old has been in remarkable form, approaching the thirty goal mark as his side go in chase of elevation to the fabled La Liga.

Accounting for over half his team's goals this term, Mata is a top striker in the form of his life and could prove to be a quality signing wherever Villa play their football next season.

Wolves are unlikely to make their loan deal for Afobe permanent in the summer, leaving the player free to return to parent club Bournemouth where he is a long way down the pecking order.

A move is on the cards and Bruce should consider bringing the striker to Villa Park as a replacement for Hogan.

Adept at this level and finding his feet once again since returning to Wolves in January, Afobe could be the man to fire Villa to promotion should they fail this time out, with the 25-year-old more than capable of banging twenty goals per season.

Bruce needs an influx of quality and Afobe could be just the man.

Resigned to the bench at Newcastle, the Serb has discovered a new lease of life at Fulham and was recently voted the Player of the Month following a prolific spell in front of goal for the Cottagers.

Magpies boss Rafa Benitez is desperate to move the player on and could be willing to lower his asking price should a serious buyer emerge, with the combative striker exactly what Bruce needs to wear down opposition defences.

With Jonathan Kodjia set to be fit ahead of the new campaign, the Ivorian needs a partner in crime and with Mitrovic's physicality and prowess in the air primary traits of his game, the pair could be suited given Kodjia's pace and willingness to play on the shoulder.

If Bruce hands him an opportunity, he could begin to finally realise his potential.

It is often forgotten that the player is only twenty-three, he has so much room for growth.

Villa fans, thoughts?