Dean Smith is starting to find his feet at his boyhood club, Aston Villa, and they are showing signs that they can be a serious threat to the top-six this season. 

Villa are currently 11th in the Championship table and are just four points behind Derby who occupy the last play-off position heading into the international break.

Smith's side has won back-to-back games in recent weeks, which will certainly be something to build on, with Villa struggling to build any sort of momentum in the early stages of this season.

But they are likely to be full of confidence when they return from international duty to face bitter local rivals, Birmingham City at Villa Park which is sure to be a fiercely contested game.

There have been areas for concern and Smith will certainly be looking to add to his squad to provide some depth and quality when the January transfer window reopens.

But who could we see Smith sign in January to challenge for a starting spot at Aston Villa?

Find out here....

Ampadu has already been linked with a move to Villa Park and it's likely that we'll see speculation increase as the transfer window edges ever-closer.

He would add some much-needed depth to the Villa defence and would challenge the likes of James Chester and Axel Tuanzebe for a place in Dean Smith's starting XI if he joined the promotion hopefuls.

Ampadu is one of the most talked about youngsters in the Chelsea youth set-up and he could thrive under Dean Smith with regular first-team football being offered.

The Swansea full-back's future is currently being discussed and it remains unclear as to whether he will sign a new deal this summer.

Roberts has been the standout player for the Swans this season as they challenge for an immediate return to the Premier League, following relegation last season.

He would definitely be an upgrade on Alan Hutton at right-back and he would be worth the hefty fee that Villa would have to spend on the Welsh international.

The experienced central defender is yet to make a start for the Blues in their Premier League campaign this season but has made three appearances in the Europa League.

Cahill is evidently down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge and he would be an excellent addition to the current Villa side and would complement James Chester well with his experience in Dean Smith's defence.