Aston Villa have enjoyed a wonderful season in the Premier League.

After narrowly avoiding relegation last term the feeling was that Dean Smith's side would do well to avoid another basement battle this time around, but in truth the club have never really seemed in trouble.

Villa are currently sitting in a safe mid-table position with the club now able to look ahead to the new season with hope and enthusiasm.

Like last term there could be big changes in Smith's playing squad, but who could be moving on?

Here are eight players that the club could sell or release this summer.

The flying right-back has spent four years at Villa Park and helped them to secure promotion back to the Premier League.

Out of contract this summer, the Egyptian is surely a contender to move on in order to allow the 33-year-old to find more regular first team football elsewhere.

Another player who has really struggled to break into Dean Smith's starting XI this term.

Taylor is also out of contract and given his lack of match action he could be allowed to leave the club in order to play more regularly.

After falling out of favour at Aston Villa it was no surprise to see the midfielder join Swansea City on loan in January.

Since then Hourihane has been a revelation for the Swans and will no doubt be hoping to continue enjoying his football this summer with a move away likely to be on the cards.

The 23-year-old has really struggled for game-time this term having been used as a substitute more often than not.

Given that Aston Villa are reportedly looking for another striker it does suggest that Davis could be a player who is deemed surplus to requirements come the summer.

It's been such a frustrating season for the defender who has been struggling with injuries all year.

When fit Hause has typically been a regular starter but given his bad luck with injuries it could mean that he is replaced with a more reliable player this summer.

A player who may grow frustrated at the lack of starting opportunities available.

Despite scoring six goals, El Ghazi has started just 10 times in the league this term and if the club do go on and strengthen the squad this summer it could mean that the winger is a contender to head for the exit door in search of more regular game time.

The midfielder joined in 2019 and made 34 appearances in his first season for the club, however he's struggled this term.

Nakamba has started just six times in the Premier League this term which suggests that he could be a contender to be sold on and replaced with a better option in Aston Villa's midfield.

I know, I know. I'm sorry, Aston Villa fans.

The midfielder is Villa's talisman and simply seems like he's getting better and better every year after scoring six and creating 12 in just 22 Premier League appearances this term.

It would take a massive offer but given the level of his performances you just can't rule out the possibility of one of the top clubs coming knocking for the now-England international.