Things are looking good for Aston Villa in the Sky Bet Championship, with Steve Bruce’s side looking more than capable of mounting a serious push for promotion during the second-half of the season.  

Bruce has transformed his squad from mid-table failures to promotion contenders in a short period of time, with the help of a few key additions over the course of the summer.

Villa are currently sitting in a strong position in the Championship’s play-off zone, heading into the festive period looking to press on and strengthen their grip on a place in the top-six.

As is the case for most clubs in the Championship, attention is beginning to turn to the January transfer window, and Aston Villa are no different, with Bruce set to make one or two additions to his squad.

Of course, players will also be on their way out of Villa Park, and here at FLW, we take a look at TWO who should be pushing for a loan move in the New Year…

Micah Richards

During his days in the Premier League with Manchester City, Richards was regarded as one of English football’s top right-backs, but his career has hit the rocks since his move to Aston Villa.

Richards is rotting away at Villa Park, and doesn’t look like he is part of Bruce’s plans.

Bruce should open the door for the defender to leave on-loan, handing the 29-year-old a chance to resurrect his career.

James Bree

Bree arrived at Villa Park from Barnsley last January, with a lot of excitement surrounding the defender’s arrival.

However, Bree has found himself down the pecking order under Bruce, enduring a frustrating 12 months.

The 20-year-old defender has a long-term future at Villa Park, but a loan move in January is surely on the cards, with Bree is desperate need of regular first-team football.