Dean Smith is sure to oversee a major clearout at Aston Villa in the summer, regardless of whether they win promotion to the Premier League.

The West Midlands outfit have suffered with poor recruitment over the past few years and it's left them with a bloated squad.

There are far too many players picking up big money who aren't in Smith's plans and one of those is Ross McCormack. He joined in the Roberto Di Matteo era and just hasn't lived up to expectations.

A loan move to former club Motherwell was sanctioned in January but he will return at the end of the season, when he will be approaching the final 12 months of his deal.

Yet, another move seems inevitable, even if Villa have to take a financial hit, and here we look at THREE potential paths for the player in the summer...

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A permanent move to Motherwell

McCormack made his name at Motherwell, so they're a club he will have a lot of time for.

So, he will be gutted at how this current loan move has gone, with injury restricting him to just three appearances.

That may make him feel as though he has unfinished business and a permanent move can't be ruled out. Obviously, there would have to be a compromise from Villa and the player to sort a deal financially but it could happen.

Find an English club

Even though he has failed at Villa, McCormack had proven himself as a top Championship player over the years at Cardiff, Leeds and Fulham.

So, some teams in England will be willing to take a chance on the 32-year-old, who never relied on pace earlier in his career, in the hope he can rediscover that form.

Go abroad

The Scotsman hasn't been afraid of making some bold moves in the past, with loan moves to Melbourne City and Central Coast Mariners in Australia proving he is prepared to take on a new challenge.

Another spell abroad may appeal to McCormack, who may benefit from a slower paced game now.