Fulham full-back Joe Bryan opted to join the Cottagers over a couple of other suitors in the summer, including Aston Villa, but it could be Villa who has the last laugh this season.

Bryan was at Villa Park completing a medical when Premier League club Fulham made an eleventh hour bid, tempting Bryan away from Villa.

Steve Bruce thought he had his man, but he was snubbed, and Villa fans were left ruing what could've been this season if they had the energetic left-back that won vast praise for his performances at Bristol City.

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Bryan was one of a few Robins players to depart Lee Johnson's side for pastures new after an impressive campaign that saw them narrowly miss out on the play-offs, as well as achieve a Carabao Cup semi-final, where they gave Manchester City a good game.

Fulham have been terrible all season though, and will compete in the Championship again next term. While Bryan has gained valuable experience in the Premier League, he may doubt whether he made the right choice or not.

Villa are the form team going into the play-offs - similar in some ways to Fulham last season - and they look like many's favourites to go up.

It could well be Villa who have the last laugh, as they could be playing Premier League football next term while Fulham are in the Championship.

He has been a regular for Fulham under numerous managers, and while he hasn't been terrible, he has hardly pulled up any trees.

Now Bryan must decide on his future. Villa may have too much pride to come back in for Bryan, but another club of similar stature could well try and tempt Bryan to their club.

Villa fans will be hoping they can have the last laugh, with play-offs looming, they'd be expecting to go one better than last season.

It was indeed Fulham who defeated Villa in the play-off final last May, and with players having the experience of that, plus a few additions such as Abraham et al, you would fancy them.