Aston Villa have enjoyed a revival under the guidance of new manager Steve Bruce, as the former Birmingham and Hull boss has given the Midlands outfit a new lease of life.

The Villains are unbeaten in the five games that Bruce has overseen, with three wins and two draws while he's been at the helm.

Steve Bruce has revolutionised this Aston Villa side, who were downbeat, lacking confidence and were used to losing, into a confident, defensively solid, offensively threatening team who could mount a late promotion challenge.

While Steve Bruce has done extremely well to squeeze all he can out of his limited resources thus far, there is no doubt that he will be itching for January to arrive so that he can place his own personal stamp on this side.

Bruce will want his own players and may look to shift some deadwood to free up wage space to bring players in.

Here are three fringe players in the Premier League that Bruce must consider.

Eldin Jakupovic

Eldin Jakupovic

Eldin Jakupovic - who doesn't appear to have been given a fair crack at Hull - has been linked with a move to Aston Villa, where he would reunite with his former manager Steve Bruce.

The 32-year-old goalkeeper has always looked impressive when he's been called upon at Hull but he has been limited 34 appearances in all competitions in 4 years with the Tigers.

Jakupovic also had two loan spells at Leyton Orient, where he excelled and became a fan favourite by constantly keeping them in the game.

The once-capped Switzerland international now finds himself below David Marshall in the pecking order - after he started the season as first choice - and Allan McGregor is due back from injury soon meaning Jakupovic's chances will be even more limited.

Aston Villa would be an ideal destination for the 6'3'' stopper, who could impart his vast knowledge of the game unto young Pierluigi Gollini and be a great option for Bruce to deploy between the sticks.

Callum McManaman

Callum McManamand

Aston Villa only have two recognised wingers - Jack Grealish and Albert Adomah - although Jordan Ayew can also play there.

In mid-January, however, both Adomah and Ayew will be heading to the African Cup of Nations and will be missing for up to three weeks.

A new winger was probably desired anyway but now it is simply a necessity and Callum McManaman is the ideal man to bring in.

The 25-year-old showed that he is capable of running rings round Premier League defences whilst at Wigan but he has been on the fringes since joining West Brom.

The pacy former England under-20 international needs a move to the Championship to reignite his stalling career and he would be a top signing for promotion hopefuls Aston Villa.

Jordan Rhodes

rhodes3

Aston Villa have also recently been linked with a move for Jordan Rhodes and this would be a superb move for both parties.

The Middlesbrough forward has been used very sporadically this season and a move back to the Championship could be on the cards for the prolific striker.

Aston Villa need a new striker in January as Jonathan Kodjia and Jordan Ayew will be leaving for the African Cup of Nations.

Scotland international Rhodes has consistently scored bags of goals during spells at Huddersfield and Blackburn and he knows where the net is in the Championship.

The 26-year-old needs to move away from Boro to resurrect his career and Aston Villa would be a perfect destination for the poacher and he'd be reunited with Rudy Gestede.

 

Aston Villa fans - would you take any of these three players? Who else would you like to see arrive in January? Let us know in the comments below...