All the focus for Aston Villa right now will be on their play-off final against Derby County as they look to end their stay outside the Premier League.

Obviously, that result will have serious implications for the club moving forward, so plans won't be finalised until they know the outcome of that game.

However, one decision that Villa will look to push forward with regardless of what happens at Wembley is the signing of Tyrone Mings.

It's no exaggeration to say that the 26-year-old has transformed Dean Smith's defence since arriving on loan from Bournemouth in January and his performances have made him an instant hit with the fans.

Villa have lost just three of the 17 games he has played and whilst the likes of Jack Grealish and Tammy Abraham deserve a lot of praise, everyone at the club recognises the influence Mings has had on the team.

Therefore, he will be a priority this summer and Villa will take a lot of encouragement from the fact that his parent club Bournemouth have just spent £13m on a player who seems like his replacement.

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Bristol City's Lloyd Kelly has joined the Cherries and he is very similar to Mings.

Both are left-sided defenders capable of playing at full-back or left-back and look to play out from the back.

Quite simply, there's no way that they both get in the team, particularly with Nathan Ake around, and Kelly's arrival is a clear sign that Mings is on his way out.

Unfortunately for Villa, that doesn't mean it will be straightforward for them to land Mings as his displays in the west Midlands will have caught the attention of other clubs.

But, the fact he is sure to be available is a great start and they will hope that the connection the January recruit has with the fans and his teammates will ensure they win the race for his signature.

That's what everyone involved with Aston Villa will be desperate for - and Bournemouth's recent transfer move suggests they may well get their wish.

Thoughts, Villa fans? How important is it that you sign Mings? Let us know in the comments below.