Aston Villa are considering making a move for Sheffield Wednesday left-back Matt Penney in the January window.

That's according to Football Insider, who also claim that Brighton and Bournemouth have sent scouts to check out the 20-year-old in recent weeks.

This season so far has been a real breakthrough campaign for Penney, who has featured nine times for the Owls in the league, playing an important role as they currently sit sixth.

Given that, they will be desperate to keep hold of their academy graduate, although with his contract up in the summer it could be a difficult task.

Here we look at two positives and two negatives for Aston Villa if they manage to conclude a deal for Penney in the upcoming window...

Villa supporters will be glad to see the club are targeting a left-back because it's been a problem position for years.

Neil Taylor is the only natural left-back but has suffered with injuries and poor form since joining, meaning Alan Hutton is often occupying that role even though he is a right-back.

Therefore, signing Penney makes sense.

Not only is he a natural left-back but Penney has the potential to be a very good player.

He is just 20-years-old yet has established himself as a regular in a good Championship side.

His qualities are clear and Smith will feel that he can help the youngster transform into a top player.

However, despite that potential, the fact remains Penney is still extremely unproven at this level.

This is his first time playing regularly in the Championship and it's too soon to say how good he will be after nine games.

Following on from that, Villa may feel an experienced option is better at such a pivotal moment in the season.

Promotion is the aim for Smith's men and with FFP a major problem, they need to get back to the Premier League as soon as possible.

Therefore, instead of signing players who can improve, Villa may want a ready-made alternative.

[ad_pod ]