Former Norwich City striker Dean Ashton believes Aston Villa are destined for promotion this season if they can sign another centre-back during the remainder of the transfer window. 

Kortney Hause made the move to Villa Park from Wolverhampton Wanderers last week but Ashton believes at least one more is needed if the club are to be promoted.

"They need centre-backs. It's as simple as that," the EFL on Quest pundit exclusively told Football League World.

"Everything else I have seen from Aston Villa shows me they are a team who will be promoted if they can sort the back line out.

"You can't concede as many goals as they have done and expect to get promoted.

"With John Terry leaving and sending Tommy Elphick on loan to Hull they left themselves very exposed in that centre-back area. If they could get two in, I think they'll get promoted. It's that important."

That point was there to be seen on Saturday as they lost 3-0 to Wigan Athletic at the DW Stadium with Hause replacing Elphick just after the hour mark.

It is a result that leaves Dean Smith's side in 12th place and five points behind Derby County who currently occupy the final spot in the play-offs.

They will be hoping to close the gap next weekend when they welcome Nigel Adkins' in-form Hull City side to Villa Park.

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