Earlier this week, Aston Villa were forced to wave goodbye to striker Christian Benteke after Liverpool met his £32.5m release clause to take the Belgian striker to Merseyside.

After he netted 13 goals in as many games at the end of last season, his departure is a huge blow to the club, but the fee paid for his signature gives boss Tim Sherwood plenty of funds to sign a notable replacement.

Below, Sports Mole suggests five names who could potentially arrive at Villa Park before the start of the new campaign.

1. Charlie Austin

After contributing 18 goals during Queens Park Rangers' relegation from the top flight, it comes as no surprise that a number of clubs in the Premier League have been linked with a move for striker Charlie Austin, who has since been introduced to the England setup after finding the back of the net on a regular basis during the past 12 months.

QPR boss Chris Ramsey has admitted that Austin is unlikely to remain at Loftus Road, but he has insisted that it will take in excess of £15m to tempt the Championship outfit into selling their most prized asset, and that figure could put Villa in the driving seat.

Reports have suggested that the likes of Newcastle United, West Ham United and Crystal Palace hold an interest in the 26-year-old, but it remains to be seen whether they would be prepared to pay a significant portion of their transfer budget on one player.

That would pose no problem to Villa, and Sherwood would relish the opportunity of having the services of Austin at his disposal as he looks to achieve a mid-table position in his first full season with the West Midlands club.

2. Diego Rolan

While moving for Austin would seem an obvious move, a bid for Bordeaux frontman Diego Rolan doesn't, but if reports are to be believed, Sherwood is looking to add the Uruguay international to his striking department.

The 22-year-old, who played four times for his country during the recent Copa America, scored 15 goals in 36 matches in Ligue 1 last season to help his side qualify for the Europa League.

It remains to be seen whether Villa will pay in the region of £15m for a player with no experience of English football, but his versatility across the forward line could tempt Sherwood into pushing through a deal for the South American.

3. Jordan Ayew

Another player who caught the eye with his scoring exploits in French football last season was Lorient's Jordan Ayew, who netted 12 goals in 26 appearances to help his side retain their top-flight status.

However, while Lorient will be grateful for his performances, his form has resulted in plenty of interest from top European clubs, with Borussia Dortmund and Everton both being linked with offers for the Ghana international.

However, on Friday, it was reported that Villa had lodged a bid of £12m for the the 23-year-old, which was accepted by Lorient, and Ayew could find himself following his brother Andre to the Premier League after he penned a deal with Swansea City earlier this summer.

There's still time for rival clubs to bid for his signature, but it appears as though Villa are closing in on their sixth signing of the off-season.

4. Max Gradel

In 2011, Max Gradel departed Leeds United having netted 18 goals in the Championship, but four years on, the 27-year-old is being linked with a return to England after an impressive season with Saint-Etienne.

The Ivory Coast international scored 17 times to help the French outfit achieve European qualification, but his name has been frequently linked with Premier League sides with Bournemouth, a club at which Gradel spent a year on loan during the 2007-08 campaign, said to be a possible destination.

However, with Gradel's asking price reported to be at just £7.2m, it would come as no surprise if Villa were to step in with an offer for the attacker, who made 40 appearances in all competitions last season.

5. Emmanuel Adebayor

Last season proved to be something of a write-off for Tottenham Hotspur striker Emmanuel Adebayor after he found himself largely out of the reckoning at White Hart Lane due to injury and the form of teammate Harry Kane.

It has resulted in the Togo international dropping out of consideration for a first-team place in North London, but while it is common knowledge that the player is available for transfer, his £100,000 wages will put off a number of potential suitors.

That could prove to be the case with Villa, but Adebayor's most prolific form since 2012 has come under Sherwood and reports have indicated that the pair could be reunited in Birmingham.

Villa are said to favour a loan move - something which Spurs may be willing to accept - and if a compromise can be reached, Adebayor could provide the physical presence up top in place of the outgoing Benteke.