Aston Villa will have to rely on the free agent market and loan deals in the summer if they do not win promotion to the Premier League this season, according to an exclusive report by Football Insider.

Steve Bruce's side will need to win promotion to the top flight if they are hoping to spend any money this summer, due to Financial Fair Play regulations.

The Villains were restricted to loan signings in the January transfer window, having spent a fair amount of money in the past two summers.

But now, if they stay down this season, they will be facing a summer of selling to buy or just relying on free transfers and loan additions.

One implication of this is that Aston Villa could miss out on signing Sam Johnstone on a permanent deal.

The Manchester United goalkeeper has been on loan at Villa Park for a year and a half now and has impressed thoroughly with Villa very keen to get a permanent deal wrapped up.

However, with other cubs such as Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United lurking, Aston Villa might not be able to financially compete unless they go up.

Aston Villa sit 4th in the table at the moment - four points off second place Cardiff and if the Bluebirds win against Derby tomorrow night, Villa will have to settle for the play-off route.

The Verdict

Aston Villa will fancy their chances of winning promotion via the play-offs because of their form. But if they stay down, they might struggle to compete next year if some of their current players leave and they cannot afford to replace them. Bruce will be hoping to flog a load of peripheral players in this circumstance and hope that it generates funds for his transfer targets.

Aston Villa fans - What do you make of this? Let us know below...