Steve Bruce’s side fell at the final hurdle last season, losing to Fulham in the play-off final having finished fourth in the league.

The disappointing missed opportunity at Premier League football has seen the start of an overhaul of players at Villa Park this summer.

With the Villans star man Jack Grealish’s departure possible, there is also uncertainty surrounding the future of defender James Chester.

The 29-year-old, who started his career in the youth set up at Manchester United, played every minute of every league game last season for the Claret and Blue Army, and was an integral part of their successful season.

Having been linked with a move away from Villa Park, the future of the Welsh international is up in the air, despite the club stating he is not for sale.

With the financial difficulties that Aston Villa have found themselves in, a replacement may need to be brought in by Bruce, in preparation of more advanced bids for Chester.

While Villa have taken the more experienced centre-half route in recent times, with Chester and John Terry as their starting two central defenders last season, perhaps it is time for the Villans to put faith in the youth and scour the transfer market for younger, more athletic options.

Watford’s new summer signing Ben Wilmot looks like he may have a chance at featuring for the first-team, despite his age.

The 18-year-old defender signed for the Hornets from League Two side Stevenage earlier in the transfer window, and has featured in all of Watford’s pre-season friendlies so far this summer.

Despite having featured for Javi Gracia’s side as a deep lying centre midfielder in a couple of matches, Wilmot is primarily a default centre-back.

The England under-19 international, who was linked with the likes of Tottenham and Arsenal prior to his move to Vicarage Road, only made 15 appearances for Stevenage last season, but it was enough for him to grab the attention from Watford.

Wilmot, despite featuring greatly in pre-season, is unlikely to start for the Hornets during their Premier League campaign, and a loan move could benefit him.

If James Chester was to depart Villa Park this summer, the introduction of Ben Wilmot could be a strong addition to Steve Bruce’s side.

Despite his age, Wilmot is a strong, dominant defender with the ability to play out from the back.

The lack of experience in the youngster’s game is overshadowed by his passion and raw ability shown on the football pitch, making him an ideal replacement for Chester, even if it is just for a season-long loan.