Aston Villa have turned things around since Steve Bruce took over from Roberto di Matteo.

Bruce inherited a downbeat squad from di Matteo and Villa had won just one in eleven games under the Italian.

What Bruce brought to Villa Park was some Championship nous and experience, which has proved invaluable as the Villains surge up the league and position themselves for a potential late play-off surge.

Even though they are 12th, just 7 points separate them from sixth placed Sheffield Wednesday and Villa will be itching to do some January business to shoot themselves up the league.

Bruce has said they are looking for a goalkeeper, a defender and a defensive midfielder as well as a possible attacking midfielder.

In my opinion, they also need to sign a top quality striker this January.

Someone like Nahki Wells, Jordan Rhodes, Abel Hernandez or Scott Hogan would be a major boost and here are 3 reasons why.

Goals

It's as simple as this: goals win you games and winning games shoot you up the table.

If you look at all the teams who have been promoted in recent years, they have all had a 20-goal-per-season striker in their ranks.

While Jonathan Kodjia might be that man, Ross McCormack has failed to live up to expectations and another striker would add some extra firepower up front.

Gestede replacement

Rudy Gestede has officially departed Villa Park and joined Premier League Middlesbrough.

Whilst he wasn't first choice, Gestede offered a different dimension with his aerial threat and powerful hold-up play.

With the futures of McCormack and Hepburn-Murphy looking uncertain, Villa might need to add another striker to make up the numbers.

African Cup of Nations

The African Cup of Nations is set to hit Aston Villa hard later in January.

As well as winger Albert Adomah, crucial strike duo Jonathan Kodjia and Jordan Ayew are set to represent Ivory Coast and Ghana respectively at the African Cup of Nations.

This leaves a big gap up front for up to three weeks and that could prove pivotal by the end of the season.

 

Aston Villa fans - do you need a striker? Do you agree with these reasons? Let us know in the comments below...