Aston Villa have lost significant ground in their quest to secure automatic promotion to the Premier League after successive shock defeats to QPR and Bolton.

That has left Villa 13 points behind leaders Wolves and seven behind Cardiff City, with the Welsh side also having a game in hand.

However, they still have to play Neil Warnock's side but even if they don't make the top two, the play-offs seem a certainty.

Steve Bruce knows how important promotion is to Villa, although even if they don't go up, CEO Keith Wyness has revealed they have plans in place for next season as a Championship club.

Here we look at two players who could do a job for the West Midlands side no matter what division they are in come August.

Thoughts, Villa fans? Let us know in the comments below.

The Everton man has made a major impression at Middlesbrough since joining on loan and there's no doubt the north east side will be desperate to do a deal in the summer.

However, Villa should be looking to get involved too. Mile Jedinak and Glenn Whelan are both coming towards the end of their careers and are suffering with injuries.

Besic is a definite upgrade on the pair and has the mentality and determination that will help the side succeed.

Of course, a lot will depend on how Boro and Villa do in the upcoming months but Bruce should already be lining up a move if possible.

Villa have spent a lot of money on Championship strikers in the past and they need to again on Reid.

The Bristol City man has a lot of qualities that are lacking from the current Villa forwards, as he is capable of dropping deep, linking play and running at defenders. Importantly, he's also clinical in front of goal.

Bruce needs to make a move for the player who is also only going to improve in the years to come.