Aston Villa are nicely poised for a tilt at automatic promotion and a 3-1 win over Barnsley yesterday further enhanced their chances of securing a return to the Premier League for the 2018/19 campaign.

Boss Steve Bruce will be naturally delighted with his squad at this moment in time, as Villa find themselves on a solid run of form which has thrown them into contention for a top two finish.

According to the Birmingham Mail, however, the Villa boss could be willing to trim his squad during this transfer window and one man who could depart Villa Park is right-back Ritchie De Laet.

The former Leicester man is currently the third choice right-sided full-back at Villa and if he wants to play more games he is likely to leave during the current window.

Bruce seemingly isn't thrilled at the prospect of losing him but does concede that the player needs to be playing games - something which isn't likely at Villa any time soon.

The Villa boss told the Birmingham Mail: "We're in this horrible situation where he needs to be playing games.

"The best thing would be for him to go out for a month and then come back because he needs games and he needs game management. He gets absolutely nothing from playing for the development squad."

The Verdict

De Laet is a proven performer when it comes to Championship football and there won't be any shortage of takers on the back of this news from Steve Bruce.

On his day the 29-year-old is one of the most competent full-backs in the second tier and any club challenging towards the top of the table would relish his presence in their side.

Given his hefty wage packet it would seem unlikely that De Laet will leave the club permanently during the current window, although if he goes out an impresses that is something that could become a real possibility during the summer.

Aston Villa fans, will you be sad to see De Laet leave? Let us know in the comments below!!!