Five players Steve Bruce could bring to Aston Villa in January
Steve Bruce has been officially confirmed as the next man to take on the Villa job.
With Tony Xia's backing, the Villa Park faithful will be expecting results, but to do that Bruce himself will no doubt want funds in January to pick his own players...writes Luke Hatfield.
Having spent over £50 million in the last transfer window, it's likely that Xia may not sanction a similar spend - especially in mid-season. But which players could Bruce bring come the January tranfer window, even with a bit less to spend?
Ahmed Elmohamady
One of Steve Bruce's favourite players over recent years. The Egyptian winger originally impressed the new Villa boss during a loan spell at Sunderland, leading to the manager spending £2 million on him to keep him on a permanent basis.
Bruce quickly made a move for him when at Hull too, and in his first season Elmohamady was voted Player of the Year at the KC Stadium.
Not a prolific goalscorer, he's only hit the net 11 times in English football, but his workrate and attitude can't be questioned.
The only issue he may face if Bruce makes a move for him is finding time on the pitch with Villa's attacking options already bursting at the seams.
Alex Bruce
Being the son of the gaffer is always a positive, but actually being a decent player helps your case too, and Alex Bruce ticks both boxes.
A willing and committed defender, Bruce can also play in a holding midfield role. He's got plenty experience of football outside the top flight as well, making him an ideal candidate to help shore up Villa's midfield and defence.
Tommy Elphick and James Chester will be hard to get ahead of in the pecking order, but he'd offer valuable competition and can easily step into a starting role when called upon.
At 32 years of age, he still has a couple of solid years in him too, and should prove relatively cheap.
Abel Hernandez
Do Villa need another striker? The likes of Jonathan Kodjia, Ross McCormack, Rudy Gestede, Jordan Ayew and Libor Kozak are already fighting for positions up top (not to mention Gabby Agbonlahor waiting in the wings for another chance).
But, one man they courted in the summer could well be tempted again if Bruce goes shopping for more goals.
Hernandez was prolific last season, bagging 22 goals in 45 appearances and offers even more firepower to an already terrifying front line at B6.
The major issue that Villa will have is paying his wages, with a new deal likely to be offering him over £50k every week to ward off January interest.
Tom Huddlestone
Villa's midfield has been questioned numerous times this season, but could Tom Huddlestone be the man to help offer that extra steel for a promotion or playoff push?
Offering a no nonsense approach and with the ability to come up with the odd goal, Huddlestone could fit in well.
He knows the Midlands well, having been on loan at Wolves previously and he's also played plenty of games in the second tier of football too.
He only recently signed a new two year deal with Hull however, so prising him away could be a bit tricky.
Lee Cattermole
A player that's not bothered by a tough tackle, Lee Cattermole and Steve Bruce have worked together at both Wigan and Sunderland.
He's well known for his questionable disciplinary record, but could that extra bite in midfield finally give Villa that fear factor?
Whilst some fans may moan about his lack of goals, he might just help offer Villa that extra hardiness which has gone wanting so far this season.
The major problem which Bruce and Villa will face however is negotiating a price tag around the recent five year contract extension he's signed.
