Aston Villa have been linked with a swoop for Brentford defender Yoann Barbet this January as they look to plug the gaping holes in their back four.

It's been a problem all season for Villa, Steve Bruce rather foolishly chose to loan out Tommy Elphick, but failed to replace him, leaving them desperately short.

Axel Tuanzebe, now out injured for a spell, has had to fill in across the back four, whilst they've also relied on the likes of Alan Hutton and Mile Jedinak to operate out of position.

It's all hindered their rise up the table and Dean Smith knows he'll need to get busy correcting the errors made by his predecessor in the January window.

Everywhere else on the field they look solid, but across the back much needs to change. With a couple of minor adjustments, this could well be the Villa back four come the start of February...

Hutton is a firm favourite at Villa Park and, whilst he's had poor moments this season, we know he's good enough.

In a settled, experienced back-four, he will thrive once again.

That leads us to Elphick. Why he was loaned out is anyone's guess, but he's been in superb form for Hull City and will arrive refreshed and ready to impress the new manager.

He's a competent and accomplished centre back and he'll do a great job once he's back in claret and blue.

Chester is surely a given in the Villa defence.

He's been battling against the odds this season and has been strong when needed. He does look like he's crying out for a new partner, though.

Barbet is a Smith man, a player he's had at Brentford and understands well.

The 25-year-old can play left back or in the middle of defence, but we're having him on the left side here.