Aston Villa tasted defeat for the first time in the Steve Bruce era when they were beaten 2-0 by Leeds United in the late kick-off last Saturday.

It ended a run of seven matches unbeaten since Bruce took over at B6 and included 4 wins in that time.

This defeat could act as a blessing in disguise for Aston Villa, though, as it shows that the team is not invincible under experienced manager Steve Bruce and they could look to dip into the January window to strengthen the side.

There are a number of "problem positions" that Bruce could address.

They need a goalkeeper to compete with Pierluigi Gollini after injuries to Mark Bunn and Jed Steer.

Aston Villa also need a defensive midfielder and would ideally add a new right back, centre back and winger.

Bruce could look to bring in some Premier League peripheral players in January and here are 5 suggestions for him.

Eldin Jakupovic

Eldin Jakupovic

In his search for a new goalkeeper, Steve Bruce should look no further than attempting to reunite with Eldin Jakupovic.

Bruce worked with the Swiss stopper at Hull and he'd be an ideal addition to Villa's goalkeeping ranks.

His experience would add genuine competition for a starting spot between the sticks.

Tendayi Darikwa

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Aston Villa should probably aim for a right back on loan rather than permanently because they have Ritchie De Laet out with a long term injury.

Bruce desperately needs to upgrade on Alan Hutton and Tendayi Darikwa would be a solid addition.

The 24-year-old is confident with both attacking and defensive responsibilities but is behind Matt Lowton in the pecking order for Burnley.

Jack Stephens

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Southampton are blessed with plenty of talent in the centre back department so keeping Jose Fonte and Virgil Van Dijk in January will be their priority.

Aston Villa should therefore look to loan in or permanently buy England under-21 international Jack Stephens, who would probably start ahead of Tommy Elphick or Nathan Baker.

The ball playing centre half Jack Stephens was impenetrable during his loan spell at Coventry last year and will undoubtedly be ready for Championship football.

Darron Gibson

Darron GibsonDarron Gibsond

Everton just simply don't need Darron Gibson and their loss could be Aston Villa's gain.

The solid central midfielder could be the defensive midfielder that Steve Bruce needs.

He would add plenty of experience, having played a lot of Premier League football and international games for Republic of Ireland.

Callum McManaman

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West Brom midfielder Callum McManaman is surely set for a January exit after falling out of favour at the Hawthorns.

If Aston Villa sign him and he rediscovers the form he had for Wigan, then they have some player on their hands.

With Albert Adomah set to miss a chunk of matches during the African Cup of Nations, McManaman might be a perfect like-for-like replacement.

 

Aston Villa fans - would you take any of these 5 players? Who do you need in January? Let us know in the comments below...