Aston Villa are currently facing a mass exodus during this transfer window having found themselves in a sticky financial situation after missing out on promotion to the Premier League. 

John Terry has already left the club, while deals for the likes of Robert Snodgrass and Lewis Grabban who both spent last season out on loan at Villa Park, cannot be sanctioned.

Grabban's unlikely return to the Championship side – and the lack of funds in general – has seen manager Steve Bruce target free agent David McGoldrick (via Football Insider).

McGoldrick, who is valued at £900k by Transfermarkt, isn't the most exciting of names for Aston Villa supporters and the potential signing is a clear indication of the current state of affairs at the Midlands club.

Bruce, though, is clearly just working with what he's got, although they may be some Villa fans who would rather see one of the club's youth products come through rather than a lacklustre addition such McGoldrick brought in.

If, for whatever reason neither of the above happens, Bruce should try and get Arsenal's Eddie Nketiah on loan.

Once Villa do manage to get some money through the door, loan deals are probably the club's best bet if they want to sign players of genuine quality who can help them gain promotion back to the Premier League and Nketiah definitely fits that profile.

The 19-year-old impressed last season when he came off the bench for Arsenal to score twice – both the equaliser and winner – in the Gunners' League Cup clash against Norwich, while his goal record at youth level is promising.

Nketiah, overall, looks like an excellent prospect who could both develop as a striker in the Championship and give Aston Villa the quality up front to help mount a promotion charge.