Aston Villa's automatic promotion hopes look relatively slim following back-to-back defeats to Queens Park Rangers and Bolton Wanderers and they currently sit seven points away from second-placed Cardiff City who have played a game less than Steve Bruce's men.

If Villa are genuinely serious about getting back in the hunt for a top two finish then they must go on something of a winning run between now and the end of the campaign.

Bruce has an almighty squad at his disposal and in fairness his crop of players is probably the envy of most clubs in the Championship. Indeed, the likes of Robert Snodgrass, John Terry and Conor Hourihane would all get in most of the other sides in the division given their ability and experience.

After year's of over-spending, Villa might look to shop for a few bargains during the summer months and FLW writer Lee Clarke looks at three free-agents who could be on the club's radar during the close season...

The central midfielder has been a mainstay in the Crystal Palace team this season but with no new deal forthcoming he could find himself on the lookout for a new team in a couple of months.

The 30-year-old would represent a quality free transfer for Villa regardless of the division they are playing in and he would certainly bolster their midfield department.

Villa's current experienced head at the heart of the back four, John Terry, could retire from playing during the summer and a move for Leicester City defender Robert Huth would be a shrewd move by Steve Bruce.

The former Chelsea man is yet to feature in a squad under recently appointed Leicester boss Claude Puel and it seems unlikely that the man mountain of a defender will obtain himself a new contract at the King Power Stadium.

The Swansea City man has been playing out of his skin in the Championship since joining Barnsley on loan during the January transfer window and he won't be short of suitors when his contract expires during the summer.

The 21-year-old has netted six goals in nine games for the Tykes and the striker looks like a real star of the future on current form.

Aston Villa fans, would you welcome these three players at Villa Park? Let us know in the comments below!!!