Aston Villa could well have been competing for promotion this season if Roberto di Matteo hadn't got the club off to a very slow start.

Roberto di Matteo could only manage one win in the opening eleven games of the season and Steve Bruce took over with the club loitering in the lower half of the table.

Poor performances on the pitch wasn't di Matteo's only problem though.

He sanctioned loan deals for a few talented players, such as Jordan Veretout.

The Frenchman is currently back in his homeland playing for Saint-Etienne and he has impressed there.

The 24-year-old may have struggled last season in the Premier League but he showed glimpses of his technical ability and he just needed time to settle in England.

If Bruce can convince him to stay for another season, Aston Villa have a very talented midfielder ready to help them in a promotion push.

The former France under-21 international was always impressive for Nantes and has had another good season in France, which suggests that it was just a case of struggling to adapt to the English game last year.

Aston Villa have a number of decent options in central midfield but if they can keep Jordan Veretout and get him to replicate his performances in France, then they could have one of the league's best midfielders in their midst.

This would surely help in any potential challenge for promotion.

Aston Villa fans - would you like to see Jordan Veretout play next season? What did you make of him in the Premier League? Do you think he will stay? Let us know in the comments section below...