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Aston Villa's season went from bad to worse in January, with no new recruits joining Remi Garde's beleaguered squad - leaving the manager looking to bridge the points-deficit with his battered squad.

A lack of funding and Villa's precarious situation seemed to put off any potential signings and left the manager to rue what might have been had his side collected 10 more points.

The Claret and Blues look destined for the second tier next term - barring a miraculous U-turn to put Leicester's in the 'underwhelming' category - and a summer clear-out is essential.

The fans want the Monday to Friday players out and for the club to bring in players who show passion, determination and genuine desire to play football for such a prestigious club.

But with the TV money a fraction of what it would be in the Premier League and a smaller income guaranteed in the Championship, the price will have to be right for Villa to sanction any spending.

Here is our pick of five players Villa could turn to in the summer who would bring a spark to the squad without breaking the bank.

Who do you think would be good investment?

Joe Allen

The Welsh Xavi arrived on Merseyside for £15m in 2012, but has failed to solidify a place in Liverpool's starting line-up.

The 26-year-old is out of contract in 2017 and was the subject of a Swansea City enquiry in January - the enquiry was rejected, but with Klopp able to dip into the market in the summer, Allen may be allowed to leave.

Although the Welshman may favour a return to Swansea than a switch to Villa, Francesco Guidolin may favour the Italian market as shown in January with the signing of Alberto Paloschi from Chievo.

Allen would ring grit to the midfield and promotion experience having helped the Swans to the Premier League via the playoffs in 2011.

Claudio Yacob

Claudio Yacob has been at West Brom since 2012 and signed a two-year extension in 2015.

Since Tony Pulis' arrival, the Baggies have not been short of central midfielders with Darren Fletcher, Sandro, Craig Gardner, James Morrison and Stephane Sessegnon all able to play in the centre of the park.

Similar to Allen, Yacob would bring steel to the Villa midfield which has been missing this season and is essential in the Championship.

The midfielder would be available for around £3m, but the Claret and Blues would face competition from European sides with Sevilla reportedly interested in the 28-year-old.

Roman Neustadter

Not so long ago Roman Neustadter was attracting attention from Premier League juggernauts Arsenal and Manchester United, but the centre-back chose to stay at Schalke.

With his contract expiring this summer, English and European teams alike will be searching for defensive additions and the German may be in high demand.

If Villa can sneak in early under the radar and capture a pre-contract for the defender, Neustadter could form a solid partnership with Micah Richards and propel the side back into the promised land after just a season out of the top flight.

No other clubs have yet been linked with the 28-year-old and his signing would be a coup for Villa - their own German bailout, if you will.

Hiroki Sakai

The Japan international played in his home country and Brazil before moving to Hannover 96 in 2012 for a fee of just under £1m.

The full-back has one Japanese title to his name and has made 80 appearances in the Bundesliga - scoring one goal - but is out of contract in June.

The 25-year-old is a right-back by trade, but has played as a centre-back and a right midfielder and could provide a good option in the Villa squad if he was called upon.

With 25 international caps Sakai would bring experience to a shaky Villa defence and could be snapped up on a free transfer this summer.

Leandro Damiao

Going forward, Villa could make a surprise move for Brazilian Leandro Damiao, who finds himself out of contract with Real Betis in the summer.

Damiao has 17 caps for his country, but his career has stalled in recent years due to a legal battle with former club Santos.

The 26-year-old has not recaptured the form which led him to call-ups for the Canarinho, but signing the striker on a free before the preseason would give him a chance to get back to full fitness and could be well worth a punt.

Damiao has won trophies and scored goals in Brazil, but could be seen as a risky investment as he has never proven himself in the eurozone.

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