Dean Smith has had a very good start to life in charge of Aston Villa, with the team well-positioned to push for a top six finish.

However, it's clear that Villa will need to have a very productive January if they are to be real contenders and their weaknesses are obvious.

The new boss needs to bring in at least one defender in the New Year, with James Chester the only fit and available centre-back at the moment.

Whilst the capable Axel Tuanzebe will return to fitness in the next few weeks, the lack of depth in that position is alarming.

Therefore, it's been suggested that Smith could recall Tommy Elphick from his loan spell at Hull when the window opens.

But, should Smith be aiming for better than the 31-year-old? Given how desperate they are for a centre-back, we think they need to be.

Here we take a look at THREE alternatives to bringing back the defender...

The Wolves man has barely played a game in the past 18 months, with the fantastic Willy Boly ahead of him in the pecking order at Molineux.

Therefore, the former Gillingham man has to look for a move and whether it's a loan or a permanent, he would improve Villa.

He has proven himself at this level before and would bring pace and physicality to the team.

Reading managed to keep hold of Moore in the summer but it will be tougher in January given their struggles.

As well as that, selling their centre-back could give new boss Jose Gomes extra cash to strengthen other areas of the side as they look to avoid relegation.

Providing he got back to near his best, Moore would be a coup for Smith as he's a top player in the Championship when on form.

This would be a bold move but Villa have ambitious owners and they could convince the Belgian international that they are a club on the up.

With his contract at Celtic up in six months, the Scottish giants may wish to cash in during the winter window.

And, there's no doubt Boyata would be a big player for Villa in the Championship and could provide Villa with a solid base moving forward.