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When it comes to player recruitment I don’t think the Villa faithful have seen such a more bog standard group of players than in the last five years.

Therefore, from a supporter’s perspective, I had a look at a few Championship players who can bring some passion and quality back to Villa Park.

Andre Gray

The Burnley striker is the all-round player in the Championship who can use his pace to play off a defenders shoulder or use his strength to hold the ball.

He is currently the top-scorer in the league for Burnley with 22 goals and seven assists.

A replacement for Danny Ings after his £9m move from Brentford, he has filled big shoes and proved to be a pivotal reason as to why Burnley are riding so high in the Championship.

In reality the chances of purchasing the Wolverhampton born forward are slim.

Barry Bannan

Since leaving Villa, and consequently struggling at Palace, Bannan has found his feet at Sheffield Wednesday who are one of the surprise packages for a play-off place.

One of Wednesday’s strengths is their midfield, and Bannan has been a focal point of that with his work-rate and box-to-box attributes.

It is a shame the claret and blue club let him go because there is a list of players, once of the academy, who would walk into the team today.

Tom Ince

The Derby County playmaker is a prime example of a young player who thus far in his career has struggled in the Premier League, but is too strong for the Championship.

Ince has ten goals and five assists this season, which has helped his side into another play-off place.

He is the ideal player Villa require for a Championship campaign because he can play both on the wing or in behind, but most importantly he provides you with goals and assists from midfield - something the current Villa midfield will struggle to offer in the Championship.

Joey Barton

He may not be everyone’s cup of tea, nor will fans perhaps like him as a player, but one thing he possesses is fight.

Barton is a prime example of what Villa have not had for the past five years, fight, passion and leadership.

He has shown what an instrumental figure he can be by his contribution to Burnley’s promotion push this season, not only that he has chipped in with some goals.

Regardless of Burnley’s status next season, my advice would be to go out and get Barton because he displays the qualities the Villa fans want to see.

David Marshall

There is no way Aston Villa can go into the next campaign relying upon Brad Guzan or Mark Bunn.

Therefore they have to look for a long-term, proven keeper who can do the basics.

There is no surprise the Scottish international is highly rated amongst the Cardiff fans and has been the subject of interest to many Premier League clubs.

(Image: Action Images / Lee Smith)

This is more of a realistic signing, but regardless of whether it is Marshall or anybody else, Villa fans know a new man is needed between the sticks.

I would have gone for Tom Heaton, but he clearly has plans to push up the England goalkeeping ladder and the Premier League is the only place for him achieve that.

Gregg Evans on David Moyes' Villa links