Dropping out of the Premier League is a devastating blow to a football club and its fans, and Aston Villa learned this hard lesson last summer, when their ever present run in the Premier league came to a sudden halt.

Fast forward a year, and the good times have still not returned to Villa Park.

After investing heavily over the course of the last two transfer windows, the Villains ended the season in a lowly 13th place, an embarrassing return for a club of Villa’s ilk.

Steve Bruce will look to put behind the disappointment of the year now that the current campaign has run its course, and turn his head towards August, and the beginning of the 2017/18 Sky Bet Championship tussle.

Next year promises to be one of the most competitive in the history of the competition, with a number of sides touted for a top six push.

Villa will enter the season as one of the favourites for promotion, but Bruce must add to his squad if his promotion dreams are to be fulfilled.

Shoring up his backline will be a priority, and a move for Bristol City’s giant centre half, Aden Flint, could be on the cards.

The 6”5, towering defender has been with the Robins for four seasons, and has undoubtedly been one of their brightest and most consistent players of the period.

A commanding presence on the field, Flint can have an impact at both ends of the park, and the player has amassed an incredible 28 goals in 168 appearances for the Ashton Gate outfit, a remarkable return for a defender.

At times this season, Bruce’s men have lacked a leader at the back, and the conceding of sloppy goals has cost his side big.

The addition of Flint could make all the difference at Villa Park next season, and the former Manchester United player will surely possess an appreciation for the Derbyshire born man, having filled the position himself in his playing days.

Bruce was also famed for recording important goals, and if he can’t pull on his boots to help his side, then a man in his mould could be the more reasonable, yet less hilarious, alternative.