Dean Smith has recently become the next manager of Aston Villa, with John Terry taking over as his assistant and between them, they have a huge job on their hands.

The duo replace the beleaguered figure of Steve Bruce and will be looking to fire their Villans up the Championship table.

Despite struggling to win matches this season, they're still in touch with the top six and have the time to arrest the slide and look up the table.

They've inherited a talented squad, with an array of wonderful midfielders and attackers. even fringe players like Conor Hourihane will be incredibly important as Smith moulds a side in his own vision.

At Brentford he garnered a reputation as managing a free flowing side, passing, moving and creating chances at will. With the players at his disposal, that can only mean one thing for Villa; goals.

There's always a problem or two to address though and for Smith, it is the back four. Bruce's recruitment left a gaping hole at the back, exasperated by James Chester's recent sending off. Villa need defenders and they need them quickly.

With that in mind, here are two free agents Dean Smith should sign up quickly.

Caulker is still available despite being linked with many clubs and he would make a good first signing.

He's young enough to not be a drain on resources once they can recruit properly in the winter, but he also has a point to prove and would surely gobble up a contract until the end of the season.

He was once one of the brightest stars in the English game and right now, Villa need him more than he needs them.

Collins is still available and is another who might accept a deal until the end of the season.

There's no doubt that any incoming player must be able to play centre back.

To leave his side with so few options at the back was managerial suicide by Bruce. Smith has to address it quickly.