Bruce is confident Aston Villa can earn promotion

Villa have very narrowly avoided the immediate threat of administration, having reached an agreement with HMRC on Wednesday to settle a two million pound overdue tax bill.

However, the club remains in dire financial shape, with owner Dr Tony Xia needing to stump up £40million in order to meet Financial Fair Play regulations, having lost out to Fulham in the Sky Bet Championship play-offs.

Meanwhile, head coach Bruce is determined to finish off the job next season. He is hoping that the addition of a couple of loan signings will sure up squad, although star midfielder Jack Grealish's future at the club is uncertain.

According to 'Sky Sports', Bruce has confided in close friends that he is confident of taking Aston Villa to automatic promotion next season, providing he can avoid a wholesale sell-off of the team.