Transfer activity is expected to go down to the wire at Villa Park with the end of the transfer window looming.

Manager Dean Smith will be looking to make the finishing touches to the squad he believes can get back into promotion contention in the Championship this season.

One player who will not be stepping out at Villa Park is veteran defender James Collins, who signed for Ipswich Town on a free transfer earlier in the window.

Collins was training at Villa when Steve Bruce was sacked having left West Ham in the summer, but went on to injure himself just as the Villans offered him a short-term deal and the player decided he could not remain at the club.

So should Villa have made more of an effort to sign Collins considering the start he has made at Ipswich?

We discuss.....

Louie Chandler

"I think they probably should.

"He is not a particularly exciting option but he is very solid and experienced which would have been ideal in the short term.

"It probably would not have been what Smith wanted, however."

George Harbey

"It was always going to be a risky signing if they signed him.

"After playing in the top flight for many years, he is likely to be on high wages, which could have been a problem for Villa.

"He is also injury prone too, which is the last thing that Villa need in their squad."

Gary Hutchinson

“No, not at all.

“He’s impressing in a beleaguered side where simply kicking a ball straight makes you stand out.

“Ipswich have been terrible and Collins is a steady centre half.

“He’s not one I’d expect to see in a promotion chasing side.”