Dean Smith has enjoyed a superb start to life as Aston Villa manager, with the side looking capable of pushing for the top two following their recent performances.

However, whilst everyone is enjoying life under the boyhood Villa fan, there are still doubts as to whether they could sustain this form for the rest of the season.

Therefore, January could be crucial and one area fans will want to improve is in goal.

Going forward, few sides can match the depth and talent that Villa have in their squad but it's a different story defensively.

Summer signing Orjan Nyland hasn't convinced and a keeper may be on Smith's radar.

And, here we will outline THREE reasons why Villa should consider a shock move for out-of-favour Birmingham stopper David Stockdale who will certainly be able to leave St. Andrew's in January...

Firstly, you have to say that Villa do need a new keeper in the January window.

Whilst Nyland has undoubtedly improved since Smith took over, he still hasn't been consistent enough and struggled as the side dropped two points in the 5-5 with Nottingham Forest recently.

He still can't be trusted for a side that want to be challenging for promotion.

When Blues signed Stockdale it was seen as a massive coup as he had been superb in helping Brighton to the Premier League.

But, things have just not worked out for him at St. Andrew's.

Yet, at 33-years-old he should still have a few years to offer his next club at this level and his time with the Seagulls proved that he is a very capable keeper in the Championship.

You also can't underestimate how useful his experience would be if he did join.

Villa would be signing a player who has been there and done it and that can be invaluable as you approach the high-pressure games in the run-in.

His influence could also help others off the pitch at a crucial part of the season.

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