Aston Villa have been linked with a move for Henri Lansbury, as they bid to strengthen their squad ahead of the promotion run in.

Villa's start to the season came as a surprise to many: under the guidance of Roberto di Matteo Villa were sitting dangerously close to the relegation zone and this saw the former Chelsea boss lose his job.

His replacement, Steve Bruce, has galvanised Villa since his arrival and he has overseen a huge rise up the table, and Bruce's side now sit just six points outside the Play-Off places.

There is no doubt that Steve Bruce is actively looking to recruit in January to put his personal stamp on this squad.

Alongside targeting Lansbury, Bruce is also looking to improve his striking options and he has been linked with numerous strikers, as well as looking for a new goalkeeper.

Here, I will look at 2 players who could follow Henri Lansbury to Villa Park...

Sam Johnstone

Bruce has mainly been playing with Pierluigi Gollini between the sticks, but it has been no secret that Bruce is an admirer of Johnstone and he is doing his utmost to get him to Villa.

Mourinho is believed to be looking to let Johnstone go out on loan and gain more first team experience.

Bruce wants someone to come in and compete with Gollini so Johnstone could be that man.

Jordan Rhodes

Villa have been linked with several strikers lately, and Jordan Rhodes is one name that won't go away.

The Middlesbrough striker is on the radar of a host of Championship clubs but the stature of Villa as a club could be a huge lure for him.

With Rudy Gestede set to sign for Middlesbrough, Rhodes looks set to fall even further down the pecking order.

His goalscoring prowess at Championship level is clear for all to see, and if Villa signed him, he could fire them into the Play-Offs.

 

Aston Villa fans - can you sign Lansbury? Would you take Johnstone and Rhodes too? Who would you like to see come in this January? Let us know in the comments below...