Steve Bruce has quickly improved Aston Villa's form since taking charge of the club, guiding last season's relegated Premier League outfit to three matches unbeaten and two consecutive wins.

It's clear that Bruce still has a lot of work to do at Villa Park though and the January transfer window could be decisive in the club's season, as the right transfers could be the difference between missing out on a return to the Premier League and restoring their place in the top-flight.

The central-midfield area is a crucial part of the team for any side and it's the same with Villa, who should definitely look to secure a deal for these two players in the mid-season window.

Hit 'Begin Gallery' to see TWO central midfielders he should look to sign in January!

Lewis Cook

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The former Leeds United man hasn't quite had things his way since leaving the Championship side for Bournemouth during the summer, as the late arrival of Jack Wilshere on-loan from Arsenal has seriously affected the amount of game-time he receives on the South Coast.

Now suffering an injury that will keep him absent until 2017, the season is in danger of being written off for Cook and the right decisions need to be made from here. Given his injury and lack of playing time already, a loan move back to the Championship would be beneficial.

A Leeds return would likely be on the cards but at Newcastle, Cook would have the chance of pushing into a side that's fighting for a return to the top-flight of English football and that sort of competitiveness would appeal to Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe.

If managed correctly, Cook would prove to be a superb asset to Rafael Benitez' side.

Conor Hourihane

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Barnsley midfielder Conor Hourihane was linked to Aston Villa over the course of the summer and Steve Bruce would be well advised to reignite interest in the Yorkshire-based player in the January window to bolster his squad.

The 25-year-old, playing in his first season at Championship level, has already scored three goals and contributed five assists in his 11 appearances so far, which has attracted the attention of other clubs that could rival Villa for the player's signature.

Hourihane, who was recently called up to Ireland's squad, sees his contract with the Tykes expire at the end of the season and they may be forced to sell in January if they want to secure a fee for the talent's services.