Aston Villa look like one of the most feared teams to come up agains this season, and under Dean Smith's management, they should certainly be considered as one of the favourites to win promotion. 

Villa are currently 8th in the league table, and are just three points adrift of a play-off place, which will be pleasing reading for Aston Villa supporters heading towards Christmas.

Dean Smith is proving to be an excellent appointment by the club and they will be confident that he can be the man to take his boyhood club back into the Premier League this season.

The likes of Tammy Abraham and John McGinn have been the star men for Villa this season, and Smith seems to be finding his strongest starting XI at Villa Park.

But there have been players who have rarely featured this season for the club, and will be eyeing a move elsewhere in January.

It's set to be a busy transfer window for Villa with signings needed, and the so-called 'deadwood' needing to be cleared out as quickly as possible.

But what deals can we see happening in January?

Find out here.....

Speculation linking Ampadu with a move to Aston Villa doesn't seem to be easing anytime soon.

Dean Smith needs additional options in defence to provide some much-needed depth in his back line.

Ampadu would thrive under the guidance of Smith and former Chelsea legend, John Terry and would be an excellent signing for Smith's side in January on a loan deal.

Villa's current number one, Orjan Nyland, has made some costly errors this season and Dean Smith could be tempted to sign a goalkeeper in January to put pressure on Nyland.

Tom Heaton would be the perfect addition to the Villa squad, as he is a high-profile shot-stopper who needs regular game time after falling down the pecking order at Burnley.

He would be a far better option to have between the sticks for Dean Smith's side for the remainder of the season.

Lansbury is certainly the forgotten man at Aston Villa, but made a rare appearance as a second-half substitute in Villa's win over Birmingham City earlier in the season.

But Lansbury is evidently well down in the pecking order in midfield options at Aston Villa, and his wages could be better spent elsewhere.

Davis has recently returned to the first-team squad after an injury lay-off.

But the youngster is unlikely to see enough game time to develop as a player with the likes of Tammy Abraham, Jonathan Kodjia and Scott Hogan all in front of Davis.

A loan move would certainly help aid his development in the early stages of his professional career, and he could play a significant role for Villa in future seasons so he should certainly be eyeing a temporary move away from Villa Park.