Aston Villa’s star-studded squad has been unable to mount a serious promotion push in the Sky Bet Championship this season, with Steve Bruce’s side set to finish mid-table.

Bruce invested heavily in his squad during the January transfer window, brining seven new faces to Villa Park, in a bid to spark a promotion challenge during the second-half of the season.

However, things didn’t work out in B6 and Villa are now facing a second successive year in the second-tier.

One area Bruce surprisingly failed to strengthen was in the wide areas, where the only senior winger at the club is Albert Adomah, who has been supported by teenager Andre Green throughout the season.

One player who Bruce may look to bring to Villa Park during the summer is Bournemouth winger Max Gradel, who is valued at £5.95m on TransferMarkt.

The Ivorian’s international connection with Jonathan Kodjia could prove critical in securing a deal, with the 29-year old winger out of favour with the Premier League minnows.

Gradel has made just nine appearances across all competitions this season, and has failed to start a game for the Cherries in the Premier League.

Despite a disappointing personal campaign, Gradel has proved he has what it takes to cut it in the Championship.

He spent time with Leeds United between 2009 and 2011, and during the 2010/11 campaign Gradel was in prolific form, scoring 18 goals for Simon Grayson’s side, as they went close to securing a place in the Play-Offs.

Gradel has told Bournemouth he wants to leave the club during the summer, which will likely put Championship clubs on high alert.

A move to Villa Park could reenergise Gradel’s faltering career, and also prove to be a key signing in Villa’s quest for promotion next season.