Aston Villa are close to a return to the Premier League with Dr Tony Xia playing a key part in that.

The Villans started the season slowly which surprised many because they were among the pre-season favourites. However, Steve Bruce has managed to keep them consistent since then and they are currently in fourth place.

Unfortunately for them, the automatic promotion spots look a step too far, but they shouldn't fear the play-offs because Bruce has got promoted through them with two other teams.

Regardless of whether they get promoted, there are key areas that can be improved in the club and in the squad.

Here are three things Xia can do to help the team for the upcoming seasons...

This is an area which Xia already has plans for, but getting it approved and making sure it is in the short-term future are significant hurdles that need to be overcome.

Increasing the capacity and renovating the North stand will add a new feel to the stadium and help bring it into the modern age. This will increase revenue by attracting more visitors and potentially expanding the fan base into new areas.

The amount of planning that is required for something like this means it's probably going to be a while before it happens. However, one area that can be improved for next season is the playing surface. Having a better pitch would allow them to play a higher standard of football technically, which would make them more aesthetically pleasing to watch.

Snodgrass has the highest amount of assists out of anyone in the team as well as the league with 13. He has been a key part of the team creatively due to his set piece threat and crossing ability.

Signing him permanently would be a smart move regardless of which league they find themselves in next season. He has experience in the Premier League so he could be useful there and he has shown this season that he has the quality to help them push for the automatics in the Championship.

Replacing his influence would be hard and his skillset means that his age isn't as important as it is for other players. He could provide them with a few more good seasons and West Ham don't seem to want him so this is a deal that could easily be achieved.

This is another major signing that would help them next season. Johnstone has been consistent throughout the season and at 25-years-old he has plenty more to give.

His extensive amount of loan spells suggest that Manchester United don't see a route into the first-team and David De Gea isn't going to be shifted out of the first-team anytime soon.

The right amount could see United sell him especially if Johnstone pushes for the move. Therefore, Xia should try to negotiate a fee in the summer transfer window because it would improve a key area in the team for the long-term.