Future Villans?

Goalkeepers

Brad Guzan - USA keeper nearly moved to Villa Park in January and but for a work permit problem he would now be wearing a Villa player. It is expected that he will sign for around £2million at some point during the summer.

Paul Robinson - An unlikely target as the Spurs stopper virtually gave Villa three goals at White Hart Lane in the early part of last season. He clearly has the credentials of a top keeper, but is his lack of confidence irreparable?

Artur Boruc - Celtic man knows Martin O'Neill very well and should play a big part for Poland in Euro 2008. Whether he is good enough to play in the Premier League is another question.


Defenders

Pascal Chimbonda - The French right back clearly has great ability both defensively and offensively. He is a man who plays in a position that Villa must strengthen after the departure of Olof Mellberg but he has also has the ability to be very moody.

Justin Hoyte - Promising young right back who was on loan at Sunderland for a time but is now back at Arsenal. He will have had a good education in North London and could be what Villa are looking for but has yet to play consistently well at the top level. £4.5 million asking price could be too steep.

Nicky Shorey - Relegated Reading will undoubtedly have to sell some of their crown jewels and Shorey is bound to attract attention. The left back who appeared for England at Wembley against Brazil and put in a competent display could be good back up to Wilfred Bouma, but is nothing special.



Midfielders

Steve Sidwell - We're led to believe it is almost a done deal and Sidwell will be on his way to Villa Park from Chelsea. Never really settled in London after enjoying such a dominant position at Reading. The former Arsenal midfielder has quality and grit which Villa need, but hopefully not coming in to replace Gareth Barry.

Brian Howard - Rumours circulating in the Barnsley dressing room suggest Howard is on his way to the Midlands. The club from Oakwell can't afford to keep their free-scoring midfielder and the man who scored against Liverpool last season could join soon in a deal worth up to £3million.

James Milner - The hard working and at times mesmerising winger was on loan at Villa not so long ago and nearly signed - only for the deal to be stopped at the last minute by his club Newcastle. Last season was blighted by injuries for Milner but he is back to fitness and raring to go. He is the type of player Villa will be in the market for as they require a right winger.


Strikers

Kevin Doyle - The Reading striker has long been on the Villa Park hitlist but was priced out of a move in January. His club are not in a good negotiating position now and don't be surprised to see Doyle join in a cut priced deal.

Peter Crouch - Could be used as a make-weight for Gareth Barry's move to Liverpool but he is better than that and should be targeted anyway. Didn't impress when he was at Villa with Graham Taylor but his former boss clearly saw something in him. England has witnessed it every time he has been picked for the national side.

Thierry Henry - The idea of signing Monsieur Henry maybe ludicrous to some people but the Frenchman is the kind of player Villa must target if they are to keep Barry and breach the top four. Unwanted at Barcelona, could he make a move back to the Premier League?

Editor's recommendations

Jussi Jaaskelainen - Proven at Premiership level and probably wants to leave Bolton.

Nedum Onuoha - Man City right back is as powerful as they come and would fit nicely into a strong and youthful Villa line up.

David Bentley - Blackburn's flamboyant right winger can adapt to all positions across the midfield and would complete an ideal Villa midfield.

Shaun Wright-Phillips - The diminutive Chelsea winger can't be happy at the Bridge and is tantalising at his brilliant best.

Eidur Gudjohnsen - Barcelona striker is of the calibre that must be targeted and he won't stay at the Nou Camp for long.