Aston Villa are firmly in the mix for a playoff finish, but have a long way to go before a place in the end of season shoot-out is confirmed.

Manager Steve Bruce’s side have been in solid form this term, and enjoyed a wonderful run of results through November before wins began to dry up in the past few weeks, with the former Manchester United captain keen to ensure his side return to good form in the new year.

The club have been unlucky this year with injuries, with a number of key personnel ruled out for extended spells.

Jonathan Kodjia is out for the season, and defender John Terry is recovering from a broken metatarsal, but should return in the new year.

Bruce will know that new faces are needed when the January transfer window opens for business, but will be restricted to loan moves and free transfers in order to comply with stringent Financial Fair Play rules.

With that in mind, Bruce must target this pair…

Axel Tuanzebe

The Manchester United youngster has been knocking on the door of the first-team all season, and has appeared in both the league and cup competitions for Jose Mourinho’s side this year.

The 20-year-old England U-21 international has a bright future at Old Trafford, but could perhaps benefit from a short-term loan deal in the second tier in order to secure regular first-team action.

Tuanzebe would seriously improve the back-line at Villa Park, and with Bruce’s close links with United following a long and successful career at Old Trafford, those in charge are likely to be willing to trust the former defender with one of their most promising assets.

Mourinho will weigh up Tuanzebe’s chances of breaking into his side on a regular basis and make a decision as to his short-term future, and if the Portuguese decides a loan move is the correct course of action, Bruce must ensure he is first in line for the player’s signature.

Nahki Wells

Prolific Bermudan international Nahki Wells joined Burnley in the summer from Huddersfield Town, but has failed to break into Sean Dyche’s high-flying Clarets’ side.

The form of Chris Wood, Ashley Barnes and Sam Vokes has restricted the 27-year-old to the bench, and Wells could approach his boss about a loan move in the new year.

Wells is a phenomenal goalscorer, having found the back of the net on a regular basis for both the Terriers and Bradford City, and Bruce will feel confident that he can restore the player to the score sheet if he should choose to head to Villa Park in January.

Wells needs a move to restore his confidence, and could easily surpass the ten-goal mark in the second half of the season.

With the quality of Robert Snodgrass and Jack Grealish on either flank, Wells would have service in abundance, and Villa fans can be rest assured that the Caribbean striker will find the back of the net more often than not when chances come his way.

Villa fans, would you like to see this pair at Villa Park in the new year? Have your say below...