Steve Bruce has helped Aston Villa put their nightmare 2016/17 campaign behind them, with the Villans staging a promotion push in the Sky Bet Championship this year under the 56-year-old’s guide.  

Heading into 2018, Villa are well placed to push on and challenge for the Championship’s top-six, with Bruce’s playing squad putting themselves in a fantastic position during the first-half of the season.

Jonathan Kodjia’s injury struggles have made it an absolute must that Villa recruit in the striking department in the January transfer window, with far too much reliance on Keinan Davis and Scott Hogan, who is still struggling to find his best form, 12 months after his arrival at Villa Park.

However, with a tight budget, Bruce will have to be savvy with his transfer dealings and will be looking to move two or three fringe players away from the club in the January transfer window.

With that in mind, here is a look at TWO who could be heading for the exit door…

Ritchie De Laet

 

De Laet is a good right-back at Championship level, but his opportunities under Bruce have been extremely limited, with Villa boasting a wealth of options in his position.

Of course, squad depth is essential, but both Alan Hutton and Ahmed Elmohamady are ahead of the 29-year-old in the pecking order, whilst James Bree offers a younger, long-term option.

De Laet would not be short of options if he is made available by Villa, and moving the right-back on could free up some funds to strengthen other areas.

Tommy Elphick

 

Injuries to John Terry and Chris Samba have opened the door for Elphick to stake a claim at Villa Park, however, when the duo return, the likelihood is Elphick’s chance of first-team football will look slim.

The 30-year-old was brought to Villa Park to be a key figure, but it hasn’t worked out for the former Bournemouth captain.

The defender wants regular football, which Bruce will not be able to guarantee.

A January move looks on the cards.