Average.

That's probably the most accurate way to describe Aston Villa's first season in the Championship, despite hopes of a promotion push.

The Villains were relegated from the Premier League in 2015/16, finishing bottom of the table, and hoped that the investment of Tony Xia and an almost brand new squad could propel them to the play-offs at least.

It did not go that way, however, and Villa finished 13th after a horrible start under Roberto Di Matteo that was only made slightly better by the arrival of Steve Bruce as manager.

Bruce faces a big shake up this summer if he hopes to be the man to orchestrate the clubs return to the Premier League, and one of the areas he will need to focus on his back-line, which has been a tad inconsistent tis year.

They should be rivalling Leeds United for Swansea centre back Kyle Bartley, who spent the season on loan at Leeds and forged a formidable partnership with Pontus Jansson.

He was one of the division's best centre backs last year and could be available this summer, their chances boosted by the fact that Swansea won't be a Championship team next season.

Bartley would be an incredibly smart move and seems to be a player who is seriously comfortable at this level, after struggling to get into the  first team picture at Swansea.

Obviously Villa will face competition, but do have the spending power to out bid almost any opponent in the Championship.

Villa fans... Do you agree? Do you need additions at the back? Let us know in the comments below!