Aston Villa have enjoyed an excellent start to the season, and lie firmly in the hunt for an automatic promotion berth.

Steve Bruce has found the right formula at Villa Park despite being hit by a miniature injury crisis, that has seen star men including Jonathan Kodjia and John Terry sidelined for extended periods.

Albert Adomah and Chris Samba have stepped up in the absence of their teammates, with the pair’s form proving formidable as the Villains emerged from a difficult run of fixtures firmly in the automatic promotion mix.

January will be a huge month for Bruce, with an injection of new quality into his squad sure to prove essential as his side enter the business half of the season.

Several news faces could mean the difference between another season at this level or a return to the Premier League, and with a tight budget in operation at the club, Bruce may consider cut-price deals for this players who are set to be out of contract in the summer…

Lasse Vibe

The Brentford striker recently returned to first team action following an injury that ruled him out for the first few months of the season, and opened his account for the season with a double against Queens Park Rangers.

The Danish star will have his eye set on a World Cup place, and knows that a run of good, goalscoring form is likely to be enough to secure a place on the plane to Russia.

Looking to be back in form, Vibe could be the short-term answer to Villa’s striker problems, and could potentially be available for cut-price deal should Brentford look to cash in on the player before his contract expires in the summer.

Charlie Adam

Adam was discussed as a potential signing in the summer, so could Bruce return for the Scot in January?

With his contract at Stoke set to expire in the summer and first team opportunities few and far between this season, Adam could be on his way out of the Potteries sooner than expected.

The player has the ability to run games at Championship level, and could even do a job for Villa should they be promoted to the top flight this season.

Stoke boss Mark Hughes may be willing to move Adam on in the new year to make room for new faces, and Bruce should certainly keep an eye on the situation.

Sammy Ameobi

The Bolton forward has shown signs of serious class this season, and would be sure to perform even better in higher quality surroundings.

The player can perform through the middle or out wide, and would be an excellent addition to the squad at Villa Park, heading into what is set to be a difficult run of fixtures in the new year.

With just months remaining on his Trotters deal, Ameobi would certainly be keen to swap a relegation dogfight for a promotion push, and the potential of Premier League football would surely be too hard for the Newcastle academy graduate to ignore.

Villa fans, what summer free agents would you like to see your side target in January? Have your say below...