Steve Bruce has transformed his Aston Villa side this season, with his squad of players putting behind them the disappointment of last year, by mounting a serious push for promotion in the Sky Bet Championship.  

This time last year, Villa were preparing for a huge January transfer window, which would be Bruce’s first at the club, as they tried to reignite their push for an instant Premier League return, following a ropey start to the season.

Villa’s experiment ultimately failed, but this season, Bruce’s side are well placed to compete regardless of what happens in the January transfer window.

Bruce’s Villans currently sit inside the top-six, knowing that they have given themselves an opportunity of competing for a Premier League return, after a consistent start to the season.

However, despite his side sat in a strong position heading into January, Bruce is looking to strengthen his playing squad, particularly in attack, where the Villans are set to be without Jonathan Kodjia for an extended period.

Swansea City’s Oli McBurnie has been linked, and here at FLW, we take a look at TWO others who could follow the 21-year-old to Villa Park…

James Wilson – Manchester United

 

Keinan Davis has done well leading the line for Aston Villa in Kodjia and Scott Hogan’s absence, but undoubtedly needs some support in the New Year, and if Bruce can add one or two striking options, he will.

Wilson is likely to be available on-loan from Manchester United in January, as the striker goes searching for regular first-team football following a nasty injury.

Bruce needs to use all his connections with people at Old Trafford to lure Wilson into the Championship, with the hope that the striker can have a similar impact to that of Sam Johnstone, the goalkeeper currently on-loan at Villa Park from Old Trafford.

Jack Colback – Newcastle United

 

Colback’s days at Newcastle seem numbered, and the midfielder could have plenty of options across the Championship in January as he searches for a route out of St James’ Park.

Mile Jedinak’s recent injury means Villa might look to strengthen in central midfield, and Colback could prove to be a useful addition to Bruce’s squad.

The 28-year-old’s ability to play in both midfield and at left-back could attract Bruce, with Neil Taylor the club’s only current option on the left side of defence.