Aston Villa have had a strange season, but there is no question that Dean Smith has one of the most talented squads in the Championship.

It would certainly not be a surprise to see Villa in the playoff positions come the end of the season, but the club will need to add to the signings of Lovre Kalinic and Kortney Hause before the end of the month if that is to occur.

According to the Birmingham Mail, Smith has been to see Villa owner Nassef Sawiris to discuss the plans for the remainder of the January transfer window.

With that in mind, we have taken a look at three things that could be in the offing between now and the end of the month.

Potential move for Frederic Guilbert

According to Football Insider, Villa have made an approach to land Caen right-back Frederic Guilbert, who has a strong reputation in France.

Smith is keen to improve his options at right-back this month and a move for the talented 24-year-old would send out a strong message to the rest of the league.

Football Insider have claimed that Guilbert would be keen to move to Villa if the club can agree a deal with Caen, who are at the wrong end of the Ligue 1 table.

Loan swoop for Premier League defender Tyrone Mings

According to the Daily Mail, Villa have joined West Bromwich Albion in the race to sign Bournemouth defender Tyrone Mings on loan.

Mings, 25, has been plagued by injury since joining Bournemouth from Ipswich Town in 2015.

The centre-back’s appearances have been limited this season, but there is no question that his arrival would boost Villa’s squad for the remainder of the 2018-19 campaign.

Tammy Abraham could have a new strike partner

Leicester City forward Islam Slimani has recently been linked with a move to Villa Park as Smith looks for another option in attack.

Indeed, Turkish outlet Ajansspor have claimed that Villa want to sign Slimani before the end of the month.

The forward is out of contract at the end of the season and has struggled at Leicester, but could prove to be a serious player at Championship level.