Aston Villa are said to rivalling Watford for the signing of Harry Arter this month according to the Irish Independent. 

Arter is currently on loan at Cardiff City, but has struggled for regular game time in the Premier League, which has led to speculation about his future.

AFC Bournemouth are surely likely to want recall the midfielder from his loan spell, so that he can find the game time he needs for the remainder of this year's campaign.

Aston Villa are likely to be in the market for players this month to add some much needed quality in depth to their side as they challenge for a top six finish this year.

There will be questions raised about whether Arter is better than the current options that Dean Smith already has available to him this season, and there are better alternatives out there for Villa.

But who should Aston Villa be targeting instead of Arter this month?

Find out below....

James McCarthy 

McCarthy is going to struggle to get back in the starting XI for Everton this season, after recently returning from injury.

He has already been linked with a move to West Brom, but Aston Villa could certainly benefit from having someone of McCarthy's experience in their squad for the remainder of the season.

Oliver Skipp

The Tottenham youngster has been impressive in his cameo appearances for the title-chasing side this season.

At the age of 18, he has a point to prove, having not been loaned out previously in his career.

Spurs are surely likely to loan the midfielder out at some stage this month, to find him regular game time, which could help him develop in senior football.

Stefan Johansen 

The Fulham midfielder has been unlucky not to have featured on a more regular basis in their tough start to life in the Premier League.

Johansen has made just four league starts, and is surely looking for a move elsewhere this month to find game time.

He is proven in the Championship and would certainly challenge the likes of John McGinn for a starting spot in the centre of midfield for Villa.