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Steve Bruce revealed yesterday that he is hoping to add ‘three or four’ players to his ranks ahead of next season.

Aston Villa have been installed as early promotion favourites, a tag that the team failed to live up to this season - but the manager is determined to get it right next time around.

In addition to bringing in a few talented players who can make the difference at Championship level, Bruce is also keen to offload as many as 13 players on a permanent basis.

Villa currently have seven players who cost them a combined £40million playing their football away from Villa Park.

Carles Gil, Jordan Veretout, Carlos Sanchez, Pierluigi Gollini, Aly Cissokho, Ross McCormack and Aaron Tshibola are all currently plying their trade elsewhere and determining their long term futures is of top priority to Bruce this summer.

There are also several youngsters' futures to be decided. We have already learned that Rory Hale and Johan Abdoul have been allowed to leave and more news is expected in the coming days.

Asked what we can expect to see in the close season, Bruce explained: “To let 12 or 13 go in the summer and bring in three or four is my ideal scenario. It will be governed, how far we can do that, with people leaving the football club.”

Bruce has previously admitted that Premier League players may be out of his price range at present but the manager has a trick card up his sleeve.

“We have the dangle of playing here,” Bruce added. “Every week you’re playing at Villa Park, one of the great stadiums with one of the great supports.

“The easiest part I’ve got as a manager is just what we’ve got. It’s very easy because we’ve got all the bits and people enjoy playing here.”