Newcastle United would be willing to sell centre-back Ciaran Clark in January if Florian Lejeune returns from injury. 

It will have no doubt sparked a lot of interest from clubs in the bottom half of the Premier League, as well as plenty in the Championship.

Aston Villa are one club who could well be interested in bringing in the defender.

Dean Smith's side have shown themselves to be brilliant in attack but remain more than questionable at the back with mistakes still rife.

The club currently sit in 11th place in the Championship table after 17 matches on 24 points, just four behind Derby County, who currently occupy the final play-off place.

Clark, of course, moved to Newcastle from Villa Park back in 2016 and helped them win an instant promotion back into the Premier League.

But now that he has fallen out of favour in the North East, Villa must move to bring him back to the club.

Here are THREE reasons why...

The club have struggled badly to replace John Terry's presence at the back since he left.

Whilst Clark is obviously nowhere near the same calibre as Terry, he is certainly of a similar ability.

It is a no-brainer.

He will be ready-made for the Premier League should Villa make it back.

With over 130 appearances in the top-flight to his name he will be able to slip seamlessly back into that mode and save the club having to hunt for Premier League experience.

There is a huge lack of competition at the back for places, which will not have helped the club's plight this season.

Whilst James Chester and Axel Tuanzebe have both been impressive at times, there is no real pressure on them as they are the club's only senior centre-backs.

Clark's arrival would change that.

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