Steve Bruce will want to improve the squad regardless of what league they find themselves in next season.

Villa have a strong chance of being promoted because they have a play-off spot confirmed. However, they will have to beat one of either Cardiff or Fulham which will be a tough task.

They have a strong squad with players that are Premier League quality such as Jack Grealish. However, it is an ageing squad and will need bolstering even if they are unsuccessful in the play-offs.

The defence is the key area in this regard because the youngest usual starters are James Chester and Neil Taylor who are both 29. John Terry is yet to extend his contract, so they could have a major role to fill in the centre of the defence for next season as well.

Here are three players they should enquire about...

Dawson is close to being relegated with his current club West Brom, so he is likely to want a move away. Therefore, the possibility of him moving across the city is substantially increased if Villa get promoted.

He would be the ideal replacement for Terry if he decides to leave. Dawson has plenty of experience in the Premier League which Bruce likes to have in his teams, and could be crucial for a first season in the Premier League.

At 27-years-old he has plenty more to offer and he is also versatile due to being able to play as a right-back which adds to his value.

Zouma is another potential centre-back option they could look to bring in, although this would have to be on loan.

He is currently at Stoke, on loan from Chelsea, who are another team that look likely to be relegated. In a poor season, he has been one of the consistent performers for the Potters, but could struggle to get into the Chelsea first-team. Therefore, a loan spell would be suitable especially if they get promoted to the Premier League.

It would also be a good place for him to develop due to the amount of experience in defence who can help mentor him because he is only 23-years-old.

Hernandez is a free agent at the end of the summer, so he would be an absolute bargain. He will want a move up the divisions or at least to a bigger Championship side and Villa suit that bill perfectly.

Injury issues have limited him this season, but he still has seven goals in nine appearances which is a great return.

Villa's strikers have struggled this season with winger Albert Adomah the top scorer with 14 goals. Therefore, Hernandez would add some competition for that role as well as a clinical goal threat. He is perfectly able to work as a lone striker which suits Bruce due to his preference for a 4-2-3-1 or 4-1-4-1 formation.