Aston Villa boss Steve Bruce has a lot of work to do during the transfer window this summer.
Aston Villa’s failure to win promotion back to the Premier League will drastically affect their summer transfer business, and Steve Bruce will have to adjust his player recruitment strategy accordingly.
There will still be plenty of top quality players out there who would be interested in joining a club the size of Villa, however, and some of them will be on display at the World Cup this summer.
Here are five potential targets playing at FIFA’s showcase tournament this summer who should be considered by Bruce…
Brad Jones, Australia – GK:
The experienced stopper is currently plying his trade in Holland with Feyenoord, and he has just one year remaining on his current deal with the Eredivisie club.
It is unclear whether Sam Johnstone will remain at Villa Park for next season, but even if he does stay, more competition in the goalkeeping department is undoubtedly needed at Villa Park, and Jones could be just the man for the job.
He is experienced in playing in England, having spent time with Middlesbrough and Liverpool, amongst others.
Despite his age, the Australia international still possesses plenty of ability, and would be a sound addition to the Villa squad this summer.
Value according to Transfer Markt: £1.35m.
Birkir Mar Saevarsson, Iceland – RB, CB:
The Iceland international is incredibly experienced, having earned 78 caps for his country, and that combined with his versatility makes him the ideal addition for Villa this summer.
The 33-year-old currently plays for Valur Reykjavík, and is valued at just £400,000, according to Transfer Markt.
With John Terry and Chris Samba both well past their prime physically, more cover in defence will be required, and Saevarsson could be just what Bruce needs this summer.
Mario Pasalic, Croatia – CM:
The Chelsea-owned 23-year-old spent last season on loan with Spartak Moscow, and really impressed.
He is under contract with the Blues until the summer of 2021, but a potential loan move to Villa could be the ideal situation for all parties involved.
The Croatian is a classy operator, and would bring a much needed touch of class to Villa’s engine room.
Ola Toivonen, Sweden – striker:
The 31-year-old Toulouse hitman is incredibly experienced, having earned 56 international caps for Sweden.
He has scored 122 goals in 387 career appearances in all competitions.
Standing at 6ft 3in tall, Toivonen could act as a fantastic focal point for Villa’s attacking play, and would offer Bruce an entirely different option in the final third.
Yussuf Poulsen, Denmark – striker:
The Dane currently plies his trade in the Bundesliga with RB Leipzig, and his ability to play anywhere along the front-line could be crucial to Villa next season.
Poulsen is pacey, and possesses impressive technical ability.
At the age of 23, he would be the most pricey out of all the potential targets listed, but a move to England could tempt the Denmark international.
Whether he will be interested in playing Championship football for at least one season, though, remains to be seen.
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