With news emerging this week that Aston Villa could be set to sign Manchester United 'keeper Sam Johnstone, it could signal that the transfer window is in full flow at Villa Park within the first week. 

Villa manager Steve Bruce is expected to be active in the window as he attempts to put his own marker down on the squad, and he has already acted early in moving people on, with Rudy Gestede being allowed to join Middlesbrough.

The signing of Johnstone could signal the end for current number one Pierluigi Gollini, but is nonetheless a positive step for the club as they look to mount a playoff charge in the second half of the season.

Attracting players from big clubs like Man United is always a good thing, and Bruce may well look to the Premier League for more additions.

With this in mind, we take a look at THREE players who could follow Sam Johnstone to Aston Villa this month...

Ben Chilwell

With the future of current left back Jordan Amavi under scrutiny, Villa may well be in the market for a good replacement, and Chilwell of Leicester City could be that man.

The young fullback is a quality player, and despite not really getting a run of games under Claudio Ranieri at the moment, he does have plenty to offer.

Villa would be wise to move for Chilwell if Amavi moves on.

Garath McCleary

If you want to win promotion in the Championship, sometimes you need to buy the best players in your division, and weaken your rivals.

A move for McCleary would do exactly that. However, not only would Reading suffer, but Villa would also be gaining a top player in McCleary.

The pacey wide man is a real asset at this level, and would be a useful and quality addition to any side in the league.

Jordan Rhodes

A player already linked with Villa Park in this window, Rhodes could well find himself moving to the Villa.

With Rudy Gestede going to Middlesbrough, it could well pave the way for the former Blackburn man to seal a move back to the Championship.

After waiting so many years for a move to the Premier League, it has not worked out at all for the Scotland international. However, there is little doubting his ability in the Championship, and he could be an excellent signing for Villa.