Sky Bet Championship side Aston Villa are keeping an eye on Australian duo Josh Risdon and Brandon O'Neill, according to reports from The Sydney Morning Herald.

Risdon, a defender currently plying his trade at Western Sydney Wanderers, has represented the Australian national team on more than one occasion, and the 26-year old recently spoken of his desire to move overseas to challenge himself elsewhere.

He told the Australian news outlet: "I feel like I've paid my dues in the A-League, I've been here nearly 10 years and it's something I've always wanted to do - if the opportunity comes along I'd jump to get over there and take the next step."

O'Neill, a midfielder currently playing for Sydney FC, is also attracting interest from another unnamed Championship club as well as Villa, but are believed to be under a transfer embargo, opening a door for Dean Smith's Villa.

The 24-year old has made 86 appearances for Sydney, as well as making 2 appearances for the Australian under-23 side.

Villa have, of course, a fellow Australian in their ranks - Mile Jedinak will be no stranger to the pair having played with Risdon for Australia, and is bound to have a vast knowledge on the A-League.

Dean Smith's men currently sit 8th in the Championship, just four points off the playoff places.

The Verdict

This is a very interesting developments - Smith has clearly seen something in the duo or has been advised that they are very talented players.

Risdon sounds like exactly what Villa need - a young, hungry centre-half who can help shore up a shaky Villa defence, whereas the dury is still out on O'Neill for me. Do Villa really need another midfielder?