Imagining the perfect Aston Villa transfer summer

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BLACKBURN, ENGLAND- APRIL 8: Marc Roberts of Barnsley scores the opening goal during the Sky Bet Championship match between Blackburn Rovers and Barnsley at Ewood Park on April 8, 2017 in Blackburn, England. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images) /

First and foremost, the return of Sam Johnstone is hopefully on the table. The Manchester United goalkeeper has a better chance of returning on-loan as opposed to a permanent transfer.

No doubt Aston Villa will explore both avenues after a trio of Premier League clubs (Bournemouth, Everton, Watford) expressed interest in the 24-year old.

Villa badly need another center back or two with just James Chester and Nathan Baker in the senior picture. Adding Barnsley captain Marc Roberts, though not a perfect fit, adds more quality. For £6 million, the claret and blues beat out other Championship clubs. Christopher Samba will be joining pre-season training too. Let’s see if he can win a contract as a reserve center back.

Likewise, left back is a problem position with only Neil Taylor manning the station. Fleetwood Town’s Amari’i Bell is coming off a superb season where he made 53 appearances in all competitions at the age of 22.

Now 23, Bell can be had for £1.5 million with a contract expiring in 2018.

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