Dean Smith will have been delighted to have landed his dream job as Aston Villa manager but he will be aware of how big a challenge he has in front of him.

The former Brentford boss has openly stated that promotion is the aim, despite taking over a side that were in the bottom-half.

That honest verdict will have gone down well with fans who feel that Villa have a squad that should be capable of pushing for the top six at least.

However, they also recognise that the side is weak in key areas and that will need to be addressed in January.

Defensively, Villa have been very poor this season and most would agree that strengthening that department has to be a priority.

Despite their FFP issues, Smith will be backed in January and here we look at TWO experienced Premier League targets that could seriously improve the back five at Villa Park...

Orjan Nyland has had a tough start to life in England and there's not much serious competition for the Norwegian so Smith could be on the lookout for a new number one.

And, Heaton will be open to leaving Burnley.

He has lost his place at Turf Moor to Joe Hart, with Nick Pope also due back from injury in the next few months.

As he is younger, Pope will surely be kept on, meaning Heaton can go. He forced his way into the England squad before an injury setback and would be a major upgrade for Villa in goal.

Villa's woeful defensive record has come about after they lost John Terry, now assistant manager of course.

They need an experienced leader at the back and Jagielka could do the job.

The 36-year-old is down the pecking order at Everton and that's without Yerry Mina who will become a first-choice when fit.

Therefore, he too will want to leave and the chance to be a key figure at Villa would surely appeal.

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