Aston Villa are currently preparing for the play-off semi-finals against Middlesbrough, hoping that they can keep up their good form and win promotion to the Premier League.

And while the focus will be solely on the upcoming fixtures, soon it will be time to start thinking about summer spending.

If Aston Villa stay down, they might have to sell to buy to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations but if they go up, they are likely to be armed with more of a war-chest to keep them in the top flight.

Aston Villa currently have some exciting attacking midfielders on their books, like Albert Adomah, Jack Grealish and youngster Andre Green.

Robert Snodgrass has also been excellent for the Villains this season since signing on loan from West Ham but the Irons now appear to have performed a u-turn and fancy keeping the Scotsman.

Even if he tries to push through a move to Villa Park, West Ham are likely to hold out for a lot of money, meaning Aston Villa would be better off pursuing other options - especially as Snodgrass has gone off the boil recently.

The West Midlands outfit should divert their attention to Xherdan Shaqiri, who was recently relegated with Stoke City.

If Villa go up and Stoke stay down, then Shaqiri could fancy a move to Aston Villa to stay in the top flight.

And he is reportedly available for a bargain price of €14.5m - which is his release clause from the Bet365 Stadium.

The Switzerland international is diminutive in stature but excellent on the ball.

His attacking threat cutting in from the right-wing has been instrumental for Stoke and he has an incredible free-kick in his locker too.

The 26-year-old has eight goals and six assists this season for the Potters and he stands out in a distinctly average team.

Shaqiri would be the perfect acquisition for Aston Villa if Steve Bruce's side can win promotion to the Premier League.