Express & Star

Aston Villa planning for all eventualities after four-match winning run reignites hope of Premier League return

Dean Smith admits Villa are currently planning for life both in the Championship and Premier League next season.

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Four straight wins have brought Villa roaring back into the play-off picture and they now sit sixth in the table, with eight games to play.

A significant squad overhaul is inevitable, whichever division they are playing in next term, with a number of senior players out of contract and the futures of several loanees dependent on promotion.

For now Smith, chief executive Christian Purslow and sporting director Jesus Garcia Pitarch are continuing to prepare for both eventualities.

Villa have already secured their first summer arrival in the shape of right-back Frederic Guilbert, who was signed in January before being loaned back to Caen for the rest of the campaign.

Goalkeeper Jed Steer has agreed a one-year contract extension, though midfielder Jordan Lyden is set to be released.

With Smith left to concentrate on preparing the team for the final run-in, discussions with other out-of-contract players has been left to Pitarch.

Defender Tommy Elphick and midfield duo Glenn Whelan and Mile Jedinak are among those whose deals are set to expire.

Smith said: "It will be down to Suso (Pitarch) speaking to their representatives.

“We are just concentrating on the football at the moment and having half an eye on the next transfer window as well."

"You always do (need two plans). While there is a mathematical possibility you have to have half an eye on being a Premier League team or a Championship team.

“At the moment we are a Championship team. Unless we put a string of wins together we will still be next season."