Aston Villa's defence will be the talking point of the Championship this season. When they were able to attract Tammy Abraham and Yannick Bolasie, why were they not able to bring in a centre back? Any centre back?

Why let Tommy Elphick go, or even Gary Gardner who can play there? Why leave a Championship promotion push hanging on Mile Jedinak at the back, a great holding midfielder but a clumsy, unorthodox defender?

These are the questions likely to be asked in the Holte End, as well as the Villa boardroom, especially if the promotion challenge doesn't materialise.

Recently, though, Gary Cahill has been linked with a sensational return to his former club. He left for Bolton in 2008, but finding himself on the fringes of the Chelsea side, he's now thought to be seeking a move away.

Where would the 61-cap England man fit in at Villa? Here's our new-look Villa defence with Cahill in place.

El Mohamady has settled into the right back position at Villa and, although he isn't the firm favourite of the fans, he is competent enough to carry on for now.

There's a big chance he could find himself out on his ear in January though.

The Manchester United loanee can play either side, but Bruce might be tempted to move him over to the right and bring in Matt Targett on loan.

He was linked with the Southampton man in the summer, but for now Tuanzebe plays there.

James Chester is one of the Championship's best defenders and playing him at centre back is a no-brainer for Villa.

He's a real asset and top-flight quality and that will only be accentuated by a good partner arriving.

Gary Cahill last stepped out in Villa colours in the Premier League on the opening day of the 2007/08 season, against a Liverpool side featuring Fernando Torres and Jermain Pennant.

If they could pull off a coup, he might be the man who finally solidifies the defence and gives those wonderful attacking players a bedrock to build upon.