Aston Villa are preparing themselves to take on Middlesbrough in the Sky Bet Championship’s play-offs in the coming week, as Steve Bruce’s side look to book their place in the Wembley final.

Bruce is desperate to end Villa’s Championship nightmare and get the club back into the Premier League this season.

That task is difficult with Middlesbrough standing in their way, and there is every chance, depending how their semi-final goes, that by Wednesday morning their season could be over.

As quickly as this season could be done, next season’s planning will have to start, with Villa needing to be busy in the summer transfer window.

Whatever division Villa find themselves in, changes will have to be made to the personnel within Villa’s squad over the summer, with some rumours already circulating.

With that in mind, we take a look at THREE players that could already be at Bodymoor Heath ahead of pre-season…

Villa have been linked with a move for QPR’s Australian midfielder already, and with Ian Holloway’s departure at Loftus Road, Luongo could look to leave.

Villa need to bring the average age of their midfield down, which is certainly something the 25-year-old would do.

Henderson is currently excelling at Shrewsbury Town on-loan.

The goalkeeper, like Sam Johnstone, is on-loan from Manchester United, with Villa already taking a look at the young goalkeeper.

Johnstone will be Villa's top target this summer, but if they don’t achieve promotion, a transfer might be difficult.

If Bruce is preparing for another year of Championship football, Henderson could well be on his way to Villa Park.

Maddison has been impressive for Peterborough in League One this season, with the midfielder amongst the goals and assists consistently.

Peterborough have accepted that for a reasonable price Maddison can leave this summer, after not securing promotion.

Villa have previously been interested and latest developments could force Bruce to make a move.