Aston Villa face a potential promotion bill of £4million – in massive pay rises due to several players who have barely kicked a ball for them this season.

A group of Dean Smith’s unwanted stars, who have been either sent on loan or sidelined, will still trouser huge wage hikes if Villa win the play-off final.

Ross McCormack, Scott Hogan, Gary Gardner, James Bree and Henri Lansbury have made just 17 league appearances between them during this campaign.

Only Lansbury has remained at the club, while the rest are out on loan.

(Image: Aston Villa FC via Getty Images)

But they will all still benefit massively if Villa go up, with McCormack’s pay set to rocket to £70,000-per-week.

Gardner, who was on loan at rivals Birmingham City all season, will get a hefty rise too.

(Image: Alex Livesey)

That pair are out out-of-contract at the end of next season – but Hogan and Lansbury have two years left on their deals.

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The potential wage-bill pain arises from commitments made during the reign of former owner Dr Tony Xia who sanctioned a spending spree shortly after taking control from previous incumbent Randy Lerner.

If Villa are promoted, it is likely that new owners Wes Edens and Nassef Sawiris will want a compromise over several of those deals, and limit the damage.