OPINION
If Aston Villa manage to achieve promotion back to the Premier League this season, then Steve Bruce will have his work cut out in assembling a squad capable of challenging in the top-flight.
One area where Bruce will need to focus his attention is up front, with Villa struggling to nail down a regular striker this season amid injuries and poor form.
Scott Hogan has performed well in patches, so far netting nine goals in all competition so far, while youngster Keinan Davis was the man Villa relied upon in the early season running, managing four goals.
Last season’s main man Jonathan Kodjia has been out injured for most of the campaign, but he looks like the one who could be a viable option up front in the Premier League next season (if Villa get there).
Bruce may however be forced to look elsewhere, and one man he should look to turn to is former Villa favourite Christian Benteke, who looks on his way out of Crystal Palace this summer.
As reported by the Daily Mail, the Eagles are looking to offload the 27-year-old, who earns a massive £120,000-a-week, after a season in which he has netted just twice in all competitions.
The newspaper claim that Roy Hodgson has grown tired of the Belgium international missing chances, with the Eagles having paid £27million for his services in 2016.
Palace are said to be ready to take a hit on that investment as they look to let Benteke go this summer, and Villa must be ready to pounce and secure his stunning return.
Benteke netted 49 goals in 101 appearances for Villa over a three-year spell from 2012 to 2015, becoming a much-loved fan favourite at Villa Park in the process.
While his form has dipped alarmingly for his two clubs since then, there is obviously a quality striker still in there somewhere, and Villa is obviously the place where Benteke can unleash his talent once again.
The 27-year-old will not come cheap, but promotion to the top-flight should give Villa some funds to work with, and the club may even be able to negotiate a loan-to-buy deal with Palace that would allow them time to raise more money.