Despite their disappointing result in midweek, Villa fans are still very optimistic with Dean Smith at the helm.

The former Brentford boss succumbed to his first defeat in charge of the Midlands club after a 2-1 away defeat at Carrow Road against Norwich City on Tuesday night.

The Villans will be hoping of getting back to winning ways on Friday night as they travel to West London to face an inconsistent QPR side.

With the January transfer window looming, that is the perfect time for Smith to strengthen his squad and bolster Villa's promotion push this season.

Villa have an array of young talent in their squad, but perhaps what is missing that experienced head in the back-line having conceded 22 goals in the league this season.

Here, we take a look at three senior Premier League players that Villa should be looking to sign in January...

With Villa in need of a centre-half, Chelsea's Gary Cahill could be a tremendous signing for Villa.

The England international's contract expires at Stamford Bridge at the end of the season, therefore Villa assistant coach John Terry could try and lure Cahill to Villa Park.

At 32 years of age, the towering defender still has a lot to offer and he would be a superb signing for Dean Smith's men.

Tom Heaton has become surplus to requirements at Burnley, and plays third choice behind Joe Hart and Nick Pope at Turf Moor.

The 32-year old would be a superb signing for Villa, and would add competition to Orjan Nyland in between the sticks for Villa.

Another shot-stopper that has become surplus to requirements at his current club is Southampton's Fraser Forster.

Having fell behind Alex McCarthy and Angus Gunn in the Saints' pecking order, the 6-foot-7 goalkeeper commands his box magnificently well and would be available at a cut-price for Villa.