ASTON VILLA are preparing for life back in the top flight of English football.
And boss Dean Smith is doing that by splashing the cash with new faces and reinforcements to turn the Villains into formidable force.
They made it back to the Premier League, after two seasons away, via the play-offs.
Beating Frank Lampard’s Derby County saw Smith’s side join Norwich City and Sheffield United in climbing out the Championship.
And that saw an estimated £170million windfall drop into the club’s bank account.
Smith has retained the services of centre-back Tyrone Mings, who has signed from Bournemouth for £26.5million.
Mings, 26, spent last season on loan at Villa Park and will now return on a permanent basis.
Bristol City’s Adam Webster could be joining Mings in the Midlands as Villa chase the 24-year-old centre-back.
But the Robins’ £30m valuation may put of Smith and see him head for a cheaper option.
Gary Cahill could be just that having become a free agent this summer after being released by Chelsea.
At the age of 33, he is a veteran but an experienced one who’s got a Champions League, two Premier Leagues and two FA Cups in his trophy cabinet.
Villa will hope to keep hold of Jack Grealish and bring Kalvin Phillips from Leeds to strengthen the midfield.
Up front, Anwar El Ghazi is likely to remain on the left side but the Dutchman will have a new strike force alongside him.
Tammy Abraham has, for now, returned to Chelsea for pre-season while Albert Adomah is a free agent.
Villa have been linked with a move for a free agent of their own.
Midlands-born Daniel Sturridge could be heading for Villa Park in what would be a statement signing for Smith.
And Brentford’s Said Benrahma is also a target for the Villains as they head back for pre-season.
