The January window promises to be a really important one for Aston Villa and Steve Bruce is believed to have identified Rolando Aarons as a main target.

The Newcastle wide man has only made two substitute appearances in the Premier League this season and would seemingly be available next month, and according to yesterday's Mirror live blog (15:06) Villa are interested in bringing the 22-year-old to the West Midlands.

However, they will face tough competition for his signature from Premier League duo Crystal Palace and Huddersfield who are also said to be chasing the winger.

Given how Aarons has found game time hard to come by, the report also speculates that he may be available for a relatively cut-price fee, which would appeal to Villa who are having to work on a strict budget this season.

Financial Fair Play regulations have meant that Bruce has been forced to utilise the loan market and free transfers this season.

Although, that has come because of a significant spend last summer that saw Tony Xia give Bruce and previous manager Roberto Di Matteo heavy backing in order to get the club back in the top-flight.

The Verdict

Rolando Aarons would be a smart signings if Villa could pull it off. He is very quick, direct and would given them an added option down the flank.

The obvious issue is the competition they face in signing him. Huddersfield and Palace are obviously both in the Premier League so Aarons may take some convincing to drop down a level, particularly as you wouldn't imagine he'd be guaranteed first-team football at Villa Park.

Villa fans will be pleased to see that the club are already moving to try and land targets though, as it's important to get the players in as soon as possible during mid-season.

Thoughts, Villa fans? Would you take Aarons? Let us know in the comments below.