Aston Villa have enjoyed a magnificent 2017/18 campaign so far, with Steve Bruce’s side well in the hunt for promotion in the Sky Bet Championship.

Bruce’s side currently sit fourth in the table, with play-off football already guaranteed.

There is still an outside chance that Villa could pip Cardiff and Fulham to second, but realistically, the play-offs remain Villa’s best chance of a Premier League return.

Of course, Villa’s full attention between now and the end of the season will be on promotion, but Bruce will be well aware of the huge summer just around the corner.

Whatever division Villa find themselves in next season, alterations to the playing squad will be made by Bruce, with both arrivals and departures expected.

With arrivals in mind, we look ahead to the summer and identify THREE players in particular that Villa have to be on red-alert for during the transfer window…

Sam Johnstone will be Villa first choice ahead of the summer, but if they miss out on the goalkeeper, Bruce will be forced to look elsewhere.

Henderson, like Johnstone, is out on-loan away from Manchester United, impressing for Shrewsbury in League One this season.

If an attempt to sign Johnstone permanently fails, Bruce should be taking a look at Henderson.

Bruce has some experienced heads in midfield, but it is hard to deny that both Mile Jedinak and Glenn Whelan are way past their best.

If Bruce wants to keep experience in that area, but add fresh legs, Colback could be a man he turns to.

Colback is unwanted at his parent-club Newcastle and could come at a relatively cheap price this summer.

Snodgrass is currently excelling on-loan at Villa Park, but there are no guarantees he will be around next season.

Villa might well have to break the bank to get Snodgrass back next season, but his impact can’t be underestimated, he has helped to turn Bruce’s side into promotion contenders.

When Snodgrass returns to West Ham following his loan spell, Villa are sure to be keeping tabs on his next move.