Aston Villa struggled in the second tier following their 2016 relegation from the Premier League, with Steve Bruce’s side limping to a mid-table finish in their first season at this level under the former Manchester United captain.

Big-money signings were made, with Jonathan Kodjia, Scott Hogan and Ross McCormack all costing in excess of £10 million, with Bruce spending big in his attempt to guide his side back to the top-flight at the first time of asking.

Promotion was not to be, but with Bruce investing well in the summer on a significantly tighter budget, the squad at Villa Park appears ready to launch a sustained push for promotion.

Firmly in the hunt for an automatic promotion spot, Bruce will know that a couple of new faces will be required in the new year to provide his side with a welcome boost heading into the second half of the season.

A striker is essential following Kodjia’s season-ending injury, and Bruce may look to move for this man, whilst shipping this man out of the club to make way for a new signing…

In: Dominic Solanke

England international Solanke joined Liverpool in the summer from Chelsea after failing to nail down a role in the first-team set-up at Stamford Bridge, and earned a first senior international bow against Brazil this semester.

Solanke hasn’t appeared regularly for his new side, making just one start and eight substitute appearances in the league, and could be set for a January loan move with the likes of Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane scoring goals for fun so far.

Bruce will have a next to nothing budget in the new year, and securing a loan-deal for Solanke would be a dream transfer.

The player has the potential to play a Tammy Abrahams like role at Villa Park, and I would not put it past the youngster smashing the 15-goal mark in the second half of the season.

Secure this deal, and the Villa are going up.

Out: Birkir Bjarnason

The Icelandic international hasn’t appeared often this season, but when he has, he has been nothing short of woeful.

The player doesn’t look cut out for this level, and 75 league minutes in twenty games suggests his time in the West Midlands is up.

Bruce could command a fee for the 29-year-old, and club across Europe will certainly harbour an interest in the player.

Earning anything from the £1.8 million-rated forward's sale would be a boost, with the funds set to be available to be reinvested back into the squad.

Bjarnason simply must go.

Villa fans, would you like to see Solanke at the club in the new year? Have your say below...