Aston Villa may be in the playoff mix, but things could turn sour for Steve Bruce very quickly.

Injuries have ravaged the squad in recent months, with key personnel sidelined for extended periods.

Star striker Jonathan Kodjia is out for the season, and defender John Terry has been out for some weeks following a metatarsal break.

The forward position is the area Bruce will focus upon in the new year, with striker Scott Hogan continuing to struggle following his January move from Brentford.

Bruce will need another striker to challenge the faltering man in the new year, and with money set to be tight, could target moves for one of this trio…

Lukas Nmecha

The 19-year-old Manchester City striker is likely to be available for loan in January, and Bruce could take a punt on the youngster.

Eight goals in only seven appearances for the Citizens’ U-23 side this semester, the teenager is a natural goalscorer, and could take well to Championship football.

Bruce has a number of talented youngsters emerging from the academy at Bodymoor Heath, and Nchema could fit in well with the group.

Whether Bruce will focus upon a more experienced head remains to be seen, but the young star could be a gamble that seriously pays off.

Ahmed Musa

The Nigerian forward was linked with Hull City at the start of the campaign due to the presence of Leonid Slutsky at the club, but now the Russian is gone, a deal appears dead in the water.

Musa has no future at Leicester City and is unlikely to break into Claude Puel’s squad this term, so a Championship loan move could still materialise.

The pacy player is extremely powerful and has proven to be a goalscorer during his career, scoring regularly in Russia with CSKA Moscow and for the Nigerian national side.

The direct running of the player will unnerve defences at this level, and Musa could prove a real threat at Villa Park.

If the 25-year-old is available in the new year, he should certainly be a target for Bruce.

Shane Long

This is a bold call, but a transfer that could come off should other deals go Villa’s way.

Southampton will surely be in the market for a new forward having seen their side struggle this season, and Mauricio Pellegrino should be handed the funds to launch a bid for a new man, especially if star defender Virgil van Dijk departs for serious money.

Long has started just seven league games this semester, and could be deemed surplus to requirements in the new year should the van Dijk windfall come into the coffers.

If Long is available on loan, then Bruce should consider swooping for a player with bags of both Premier League and Championship experience, with Long boasting solid records at both levels.

The 30-year-old still has a lot to offer, and Bruce should ensure he is at the front of the queue should the Irishman become available.

Villa fans, could any of this trio fire your side to promotion? Have your say below...