Dean Smith's Aston Villa were dealt a blow in their hopes to land Aberdeen youngster Scott McKenna on Monday, and they will now have to consider other options when the January transfer window reopens. 

When quizzed on his future in a recent press conference, McKenna admitted that he would prefer a move to the Premier League which will severely dent Villa's hopes of landing his signature in January.

"I think that is most people’s ambition (playing in the Premier League)."

It is reported that Wolves are also interested in signing the young Scottish international, and they would be able to persuade him with Premier League football.

But there is no guarantee that McKenna would start with Wolves, whereas a place in the Aston Villa starting XI would be highly likely, given Dean Smith's lack of options in the centre of the Villa defence.

So with McKenna somewhat distancing himself from a move to Villa, they will have to look into different options in the heart of the Villa defence - and fast.

But which two players should Smith be looking to sign in January instead of McKenna?

Find out here....

The Wolves centre-back is seemingly deemed surplus to requirements with the Premier League side.

Hause only made one appearance last season and will be keen to kickstart his career again after a lack of game time in recent seasons.

His pace and power at centre-back would be a real asset to Dean Smith's side if they were to sign him in January.

The West Ham youngster is one of the brightest prospects to come through the club in recent seasons and he could potentially be eyeing a loan move in January.

Oxford has the potential to be playing in the Premier League in the future but is yet to feature for West Ham this season and will be hopeful of getting some much-needed game time under his belt when the transfer window re-opens.

He does also have experience of playing in the Championship after playing for Reading in a loan spell a couple of seasons ago.