Aston Villa’s automatic promotion charge may be fading with every passing week, but manager Steve Bruce will remain confident in his side’s ability to navigate what is set to be a strong play-off field.

The Villains looked certain to secure a place in the top two following an excellent start to the calendar year, but several poor results combined with the sensational form of Cardiff City has seen second place slip away, meaning that Bruce’s season may be extended further than he had hoped.

Whatever happens this year Villa need to strengthen and with the shackles of Financial Fair Play restrictions thrown off to an extent, Bruce must beg chairman Tony Xia to sanction these deals…

Villa simply cannot afford to let Snodgrass go.

The Scotsman has been in remarkable form since joining on a season-long loan deal from West Ham United, emerging as the standout winger in the division alongside former star Adama Traore who now plays at Middlesbrough.

The 30-year-old has contributed consistently with a combined total of twenty goals and assists to his name ahead of the international break this weekend, cementing his status as the key man within this Villa squad.

Snodgrass is open to a move and the Hammers will surely sell should their valuation of the player be met.

John Terry has proven priceless since joining the club on a shock one-year deal last summer, with the former England and Chelsea captain’s presence within the squad a catalyst for the club’s success this term.

His class on the pitch was never in doubt and his influence off of it has proven to be exactly what Bruce desired when he fought off the advances of other suitors.

If he goes a replacement will be required and Bristol City’s Flint fits the bill perfectly, with the 28-year-old sure to be tempted by a final big move now that he is approaching his thirtieth.

The towering centre-half is a threat at both ends of the field as highlighted by his seven goals in thirty-one league starts and can excel in both the second tier and the Premier League.

If Bruce opts for a young man to replace Terry in the middle, he could do a lot worse than a move for French defender Yoann Barbet who has impressed with Brentford since his switch to Griffin Park from Niort in 2015.

The 24-year-old has proven equally as efficient at left-back as he has at his natural central position, with the player’s versatility sure to appeal to Bruce as he attempts to strengthen his squad.

The Bees will fight hard to keep their man but with a big budget set to be at his disposal, Bruce could force Dean Smith’s hand with a tempting offer that the West Bromwich-born man can’t resist.

Barbet would be a solid addition at Villa Park.

Villa fans, thoughts?