Aston Villa will be preparing for their drive towards automatic promotion through the playoffs, with the club sitting in fourth place and just outside the race for second spot, at the time of writing.

The Villans will be hoping manager Steve Bruce can once again bring the magic touch to the playoffs, much like he has done in the past with Hull City and Birmingham, and the Midlanders will be confident they can win out in the end of season shootout.

Villa have been excellent in the main this season, with the likes of Jack Grealish and Conor Hourihane excelling for the club, but the summer promises to be an interesting one, especially if the club remain in the Championship.

Budgets could well be tight for Bruce if they do remain in the second tier, and we at FLW think he should be taking a look at League One for some potential signings.

With that in mind, we've taken a look at TWO potential signings Villa could make from the third tier this summer...

Erhun Oztumer

The classy little Turkish midfielder has been a revelation yet again in the third tier for Walsall, chipping in with 14 goals and being the key cog in the Saddlers' attacking play.

Oztumer is someone who has long been lauded as one of the best players outside the top two divisions, and he has proved it again this season with some scintillating displays.

There is little doubt he can perform at a higher level, and a move to Villa would be just too tempting for him to turn down if it becomes a possibility.

Jack Marriott

What a season it has been for the Peterborough striker, who has smashed in 26 goals and become one of the most sought after talents outside the top flight.

Marriott has shot himself into the limelight with some stirring displays for the Posh, firing them to within reach of securing a playoff spot and a potential return to the Championship.

Villa though are a huge club, and the chance of playing under Bruce and in front of big crowds at Villa Park will be something Marriott simply won't be able to pass up.