A report by the Telegraph has detailed some of the plans for Aston Villa in the January transfer window, including how Dean Smith is planning to clear the decks somewhat come January.

In the report, it claims that Smith will allow a whole host of fringe players to leave the club in order to free up squad space and funds to bring in new faces during January, which could mean trouble for the likes of Henry Lansbury, who has failed to cement a spot since moving to the club from Nottingham Forest.

New manager Smith is widely tipped to make a move on his former club Brentford for at least a couple of their stars, and allowing a section of his Villa squad to move on in January is something which will afford him the chance to step up any January pursuits of his own.

The report also says that Villa are preparing to back their new man in January, which means we could well be in for a busy winter window at Villa Park as plenty of incomings and outgoings look set to take place.

Smith sealed his move to boyhood club Villa this week, taking over from Steve Bruce, and he will be hoping to get the Villans back on track and moving towards a playoff spot before too long.

Villa fans, what do you think? Who would you clear out? Let us know in the comments!