Aston Villa have changed a lot since Steve Bruce's sacking but one similarity is that they are once again 90 minutes away from the Premier League as they count down to Monday's play-off final.

However, no matter what the result, it promises to be a very different summer for Villa, with Dean Smith bringing a different approach to the club.

That has been evident in the style of play, with the former Brentford man implementing a more possession-based game, with the talented Jack Grealish at the heart of everything Villa do.

And, it's also been clear to see in their recruitment that things have changed at Villa Park.

Bruce favoured bringing in proven, experienced players and it wasn't a bad idea as the side did nearly win promotion with the likes of John Terry, Alan Hutton and Robert Snodgrass starring.

But, that's not the road Smith will take, with the focus on acquiring younger, hungrier players.

Again, we're not saying one way is right, but Smith has his own style and he has made his mark on the team already, even without having a full pre-season to work with the group.

More changes will come too, with Football Insider revealing that Luton's exciting 21-year-old full-back is a £7.5m target for the west Midlands outfit.

Should the deal go through, he would no doubt replace Ahmed Elmohamady and that would send a bigger message than just bringing in a new signing.

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It would represent the shift in transfer policy and ensure that the new boss is bringing in players that suit his identity and way of playing.

Boasting real pace and quality on the ball, Justin is a full-back that loves to get forward and would suit the energetic approach that Smith wants from his side.

Whilst Elmohamady has done a fine job in the past few months and will be an important player on Monday, the reality is he doesn't have that threat in the final third like he used to and Justin's arrival would surely see him seek regular football elsewhere.

Obviously, winning promotion is all that matters for Villa right now but even if they are stuck in the Championship for another year, there's plenty of reasons to be optimistic with transfer reports like this, with Smith ready to make his mark.