Aston Villa’s movement in the transfer window could be quickened in the coming days after meetings between the manager and owner.

Dean Smith has met with Nassef Sawiris, one of the owners of the club to discuss transfer plans for the rest of the month, the Birmingham Mail reports.

Along with discussions with Sawiris, chief executive Christian Purslow and sporting director Jesus Pitarch were both also present, too.

Villa have made two signings this window, with goalkeeper Lovre Kaliinic arriving on a permanent deal and Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Kourtney Hause moving to the club on loan for the rest of the season.

The hierarchy at the Championship side accept further additions must be made if they are to make a sustained assault on the play-off places.

Villa are currently 12th in the table – but only four points off the top-six with 19 games left to be played.

Smith inherited a squad he feels to be too attacking and spoke to the Birmingham Mail discussing that he needs to find a balance between their attacking prowess and adding more defensive steel to the team.

“It’s very important because we need a good balance in terms of our squad,” Smith said.

“We’re quite top heavy, we’ve got four centre-forwards here, but we’re only playing one up front with Tammy.

“We’ve got four who would probably play for most other teams in the Championship.

“We need to balance that squad a bit better, and I think everyone knows we’ve been light at the back and this window gives us the opportunity.

“I went to see one of our owners, Nassef, on Wednesday night with our CEO and sporting director. There are an awful lot of plates spinning as I’m guessing there will be with a lot of other clubs.

“It’s not a great window, January, it’s a seller’s market and prices are at a premium; to go and get some bargains is very tough to do."

The Verdict

This is positive news, somewhat for Villa fans, with Smith formulating a plan with the powers that be to discuss future transfer plans.

Everyone could see the side was attack-heavy and restoring a balance by adding more defensive options is a priority – and having signed a goalkeeper and a defender, they are some way there.

Smith admitting the side is top heavy will dissolve hope of the fans that more attacking players are added.

Everyone knows it is further back on the pitch that needs improving and doing that will only make Villa a better side and will avoid attacking stockpiling and unnecessary signings that could damage them financially.

Thoughts? Let us know!