Aston Villa finally appear to have turned a corner after a dreadful start to the season saw them languishing closer to the relegation zone than the playoffs. 

But with the sacking of Steve Bruce and the appointment of Brentford manager Dean Smith, optimism has returned to Villa Park with the former Bee bringing his exciting brand of free-flowing, attacking football with him.

The likes of Jack Grealish and Tammy Abraham already seem to be benefiting from Smith's arrival and the implementation of his 4-1-4-1 formation.

Someone else who is beginning to shine even more than he already was since signing in the summer is John McGinn.

The 24-year-old has proven to be a classy and talented ball player in the middle of the pitch, whether that is in a deep-lying role or alongside Grealish in a more creative capacity.

But with the January transfer window fast approaching they are always liable to lose stars of McGinn's quality, especially with the ludicrous amounts of money currently in the game.

Villa fans need worry not, however. If the Scot is to depart here are three alternatives they could look to bring in...

Fleck has long been a crucial creative spark in the middle of the pitch for Sheffield United and would be a like for like replacement for McGinn.

Despite being with the high-flying Blades, Villa undoubtedly have the greater financial capabilities and would still fancy their chances of tempting him away.

Another option is one they have already been linked with, in Sheffield Wednesday's Barry Bannan.

Bannan has been the Owls' standout performer so far this campaign and has been absolutely crucial to the moderate success achieved this season.

He would quickly make the Villa faithful forget about McGinn.

A slightly more conservative replacement option would be the out of favour Forest midfielder.

Bridcutt has shown in the past that he is a quality Championship midfielder but is now miles down Aitor Karanka's midfield pecking order.

This would not be a bad move at all for Villa.