Aston Villa are coming to the end to one of the worst seasons in the club's history. Their relegation to the Championship is already confirmed and the current squad could be remembered as one of the most pathetic the Premier League has ever witnessed.

But the past cannot be changed, and the Birmingham outfit must instead to focus on how to return to the top flight at the first time of asking. It's by no means a simple challenge; the second tier is littered with fallen former top-flight giants, not least including Leeds United, Middlesbrough, Bolton Wanderers and Charlton Athletic.

Villa's chances of promotion back to the Premier League will depend on firstly who is appointed as their next manager and perhaps more importantly, who they recruit during the summer transfer window. With that in mind, here are FootballFanCast's SIX suggestions of signings who can get Villa back to the top flight in time for 2017/18.

BREDE HANGELAND

Brede Hangeland

Brede Hangeland may turn 35 before the start of next season but he's a highly experienced centre-back, boasting 91 caps for Norway and 238 Premier League appearances, whose aerially dominant 6 foot 6 frame will serve him well in the attritional second tier.

Furthermore, the Texas-born defender possesses the leadership qualities Aston Villa have desperately lacked at the heart of their backline this season and he'll be available on a free transfer, with his Crystal Palace contract due to expire in the summer.

ALAN JUDGE

Alan Judge

Alan Judge has been one of the standout performers in the Championship this season, bagging 14 goals and eleven assists for a Brentford side who only recently escaped the realms of lower-mid table to earn a spot in the Championship Team of the Season.

The 27-year-old winger has spent his entire career in the Football League, representing Plymouth, Blackburn and Brentford in the Championship as well as Notts County in League One, and comes with that ingrained feistiness required in the lower tiers.

There will be plenty of interest in the Ireland international this summer and with his contract set to expire at the end of next season, Brentford may struggle to turn down decent offers.

TOM CARROLL

Tom Carroll

Tom Carroll has just a matter of weeks left to earn himself a contract extension at White Hart Lane, but with Tottenham chasing down the Premier League title, opportunities to impress will be few and far between.

The playmaking midfielder has always been highly-rated but is yet to truly prove his pedigree, struggling to stand out amid loan spells with Leyton Orient, Derby County Swansea and QPR.

Nonetheless, Aston Villa need some extra craft in midfield and available on a free transfer, the 23-year-old seems worth the punt - especially considering he needs to turn his career around sooner rather than later.

DARREN RANDOLPH

Darren Randolph

Darren Randolph has continually proved his quality when called upon since signing for West Ham last summer, being ever-present amid their quarter-final-reaching FA Cup run and producing two clean sheets from his three Premier League outings - most notably against Liverpool in August.

But unlikely to claim Adrian's No.1 status anytime soon, the chance to join Aston Villa in the Championship may appeal to the Ireland international. He offers plenty of Football League experience too, with spells at Charlton, Gillingham, Hereford United and Birmingham City.

JAMES MORRISON

James Morrison

Yet another Bosman signing well worth Aston Villa's consideration. West Brom midfielder James Morrison may expect top flight wages but he also offers top flight pedigree, boasting 11Premier League campaigns throughout his career and combining industriousness with ingenuity on the ball.

The creative midfielder can line up on either flank or centrally and despite falling out of favour with Tony Pulis this season, picked up the Player of the Year award at the Hawthorns last term. Without a transfer fee involved, he could be a real steal for the Villans.

NAHKI WELLS

Nahki Wells

Every promotion campaign needs a potent striker heading the attack and in regards to those already proven at Championship level, it's hard to look past Huddersfield frontman Nahki Wells.

The Burmuda-born striker's second-tier tallies have continually improved since signing from Bradford in summer 2013 - after firing the Bantams to the League Cup final the same year - and he's produced an impressive return of 17 goals in 43 league outings for 2015/16.

Quick, powerful, reliable in front of goal and still just 25 years of age, Wells represents a seemingly worthwhile long-term investment. But with two years remaining on his Huddersfield contract, the Terriers will likely command a sizable fee for their star goalscorer.