Dean Smith has enjoyed a superb start to life as Aston Villa manager, with his side just four points away from the play-offs.

Not only are they picking up results, but Villa are playing some great football and many will see them as a real threat to those challenging for a place in the Premier League.

Yet, it's even more impressive when you realise that Smith hasn't had a chance to bring in his own players.

That will change in January though and Football Insider are reporting that the ex-Brentford boss is keen on raiding his former club for Romaine Sawyers.

The 27-year-old was a key man for Smith at Griffin Park and could be available as he approaches the last 18 months of his deal.

However, whilst Sawyers is a good player, we're not sure he is what Villa need right now.

Here we look at TWO reasons why Smith needs to focus elsewhere in the New Year...

Firstly, Villa have a very talented attacking midfielder of their own coming through the ranks in the form of Callum O'Hare.

He has shone for the past few years for the U23s and is ready to make an impact at first-team level if given a chance.

Smith clearly rates the player as he has been on the bench in recent weeks, but he would probably miss out if Sawyers arrived.

With Jack Grealish in the side, Sawyers is not going to be playing much and you could argue that it's the last place Villa need to strengthen.

He could perhaps operate deeper, but Villa would be signing him based on his appearances as an attacking midfielder.

Obviously, he would add depth to the squad but in six months they could be a Premier League side and be looking for someone with more quality.

It seems a pointless signing - the priority should be at the back.