Aston Villa’s start to the season hasn’t been what the club’s supporters wanted, with Dean Smith replacing Steve Bruce in the Villa Park hot seat in recent weeks.

Bruce was failing to replicate Villa’s 2017/18 form, with his side struggling in mid-table when he departed.

Smith has since come in and endured a mixed start. Villa beat Swansea City in his first game, but threw away a goal lead against Norwich City on Tuesday, with a Jordan Rhodes brace handing Villa a 2-1 defeat.

Rhodes’ first goal came from a poor marking at a corner, with Orjan Nyland hardly covering himself in glory with some suspect goalkeeping from the set piece.

Nyland’s start to life in England has been inconsistent, with some of his mistakes costing Villa.

It’s harsh to say the 28-year-old has been a complete flop, but he’s not as consistent as Sam Johnstone was last season and Smith could be tempted to bring in a fresh face in the New Year.

Here at FLW, we identify THREE options for the Villa boss to consider…

Heaton is well down the pecking order at Burnley, with Sean Dyche having Joe Hart and Nick Pope at his disposal.

Premier League appearances aren’t as regular as they once were for Heaton, but he’s a good goalkeeper who would improve Villa at the back.

It’d be a coup to get him on board.

Smith worked with Bentley at Brentford, with the goalkeeper developing well over the years at Griffin Park.

Bentley has a mistake in him, but on the whole, he’s been consistent during his time in the Championship.

He could be a player that helps turn things round at Villa Park.

Admittedly, this would be a hard deal for Villa to do, as Birmingham City won’t be too keen to deal with their fierce rivals.

Stockdale is well down the pecking order at St Andrew’s and needs a move away.

His omission under Garry Monk isn’t down to his ability and he’s an improvement on what Villa have.

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