"?Aston Villa chairman Dr Tony Xia used his "?personal Twitter account to publicly comment on the club's extremely aggressive transfer activity this window, announcing that as many as eight players have been targeted for potential moves.
The Chinese businessman, who took control of the Midlands club from previous owner Randy Lerner in June 2016, was brutally honest about his side's objectives this month, stating that he hoped for at least three more signings this window.
Working hard every day now. About 7-8 targets ongoing but if we could get 3done, then it's not bad result. If 4, would be great. https://t.co/9Eg4YAba1u
The Villans have already brought in young Manchester United goalkeeper Sam Johnstone on loan for the rest of the season, while showing Rudy Gestede has left for Premier League Middlesbrough.
Gestede's exit suggests that room is being made for an incoming striker, with Ross McCormack also being linked with a Villa Park exit. The Scottish international only signed in the summer, breaking the club's transfer record when he signed for £12m from Fulham.
Transfer news: We are delighted to announce the signing of @SamJohnstone50 on loan from @ManUtd until the end of the season. #AVFC pic.twitter.com/xpBL0Jtj0F
However, the capture of Jonathan Kodjia from Bristol City for £15m again smashed the record in what was a busy summer ahead of the club's first ever season in the Sky Bet Championship, with the likes of Mile Jedinak, James Chester and Aaron Tshibola all coming in for significant fees.
More important for Villa fans was the arrival of Steve Bruce, who replaced Roberto Di Matteo in October. Bruce has turned the club's fortunes around and now is set to give the Villa squad a complete overhaul.