Dean Smith will already be looking at how he can improve Aston Villa after the lifelong fan landed his dream job earlier in the week.

Villa's decision to replace Steve Bruce with the former Brentford boss has been met with widespread approval and Smith's task will be clear - win promotion.

That will be a tough ask this season, with the club four points away from sixth and performances have been poor.

However, the new boss will hope he can change that and there is a lot of talent in the dressing room, particularly going forward.

Yet, anyone who has seen Villa play this season will be able to say where their problem lies.

The West Midlands outfit have conceded 20 goals in 12 games and have failed to replace John Terry who is now an assistant to Smith.

Bringing in a centre-back will be a priority and with Villa needing the player to settle immediately, they could look for proven Championship players.

Here we suggest TWO current centre-backs in the second-tier that would seriously improve the side...

Moore signed a new deal with Reading in the summer but that doesn't mean he won't leave in the January window.

The Royals are struggling and a player of his quality will have ambitions of playing in the top-flight.

He has proven himself to be a very solid performer at this level and even if he would require a fairly hefty fee, he would represent a major upgrade and long-term option for Villa.

Realistically, Villa will not be able to sign any players from sides going for promotion but there is still quality near the bottom of the Championship.

Millwall managed to fend off interest from Rangers for their towering centre-back in the summer but he may be open to a move if Villa came in.

He has a lot of potential to improve and is the powerful, dominant partner that could bring the best out of James Chester too.

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