The 2016/17 season may have been as uninspiring as it gets for Aston Villa fans, who have suffered their first campaign outside the top-flight since the formation of what we now know as the Premier League.

On the financial front things are looking a lot more positive as new owner Dr Tony Xia has pumped millions of his own money into the Championship outfit, to get them back where they belong.

This includes two managerial changes since his arrival and several high-profile names who have been acquired to improve the team, albeit before this year planned out.

Villa Park is a gloomy place to be at the moment as the club sit exactly half-way in the table on 51 points and supporters will be glad to see the back of this season, hoping it comes as soon as possible for a rebuild and to go again.

Steve Bruce will definitely want to improve his side, so here are THREE players Aston Villa should seal a deal for to seriously enhance the squad for next year....

 

Jack Hunt

The right-back position has mostly been occupied by Scottish defender Alan Hutton, who has admittedly been praised by a lot of the fan base for his performances this season, but he is getting on the wrong side of 30.

Hutton's contract is up this summer and the club will be looking for a new replacement. Step up Jack Hunt, who currently plays for play-off hopefuls Sheffield Wednesday but may want to further his career.

In terms of size, Aston Villa is a much bigger club to be around than his current employer and I'm sure the support he'd receive would hugely benefit his displays and the whole squad for the next campaign.

Alex McCarthy

Steve Bruce is really lacking in the goalkeeping department in his squad with Sam Johnstone the only Championship standard man in the ranks, and he is only on loan from Premier League outfit Manchester United.

Southampton have an array of players in this position and I think they'd be willing to let one go, Alex McCarthy.

The 27 year-old has only made two competitive appearances for the Saints - he is also better than any permanent 'keeper at the club so I would hope that it would be an easy and much-needed transfer to be completed by Aston Villa.

 

Christian Atsu

The Ghana international is currently on loan at Championship leaders Newcastle United, but I can't see the Magpies wanting to complete a permanent deal for the winger.

Christian Atsu, contracted to top-flight side Chelsea, has played in 25 matches for Rafa Benitez's team this campaign; providing three goals and two assists.

The 25 year-old has found his level and would improved massively at another second-tier club next year.

Aston Villa could probably do with a quick, pacey wide man to provide for influential forwards Jonathan Kodjia and Scott Hogan, who would bag many more with Atsu in the team.

Aston Villa fans, would you have these three at Villa Park? Do they suit Steve Bruce's formation and tactics? Who else would realistically enhance the squad? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!