Dean Smith has transformed Aston Villa since taking over and the team look like serious promotion contenders now.

However, they are still playing catch-up after a slow start to the campaign under Steve Bruce and they will need to maintain their high standards over the next few months if it's to be a successful season.

Therefore, January could be crucial as it provides Smith with an opportunity to bring in his own players and beef up the squad for the run-in.

And, the Express & Star has revealed that the new boss is prioritising three positions in the window, with centre-back one of those.

That's understandable as the lack of cover behind Axel Tuanzebe and James Chester is alarming.

Here we look at THREE options that Smith should be targeting ahead of the New Year...

The Everton man has fallen down the pecking order since Marco Silva arrived at Goodison Park and needs to move to get game time.

At 22-years-old, the former Barnsley man has time to develop into a better player and has qualities that Smith appreciates in a defender.

This would be an ambitious move as Boyata has been linked with moves to some decent sides abroad but it could happen.

The Belgium international is out of contract in the summer so Celtic will probably cash in next month.

He has improved significantly under Brendan Rodgers and would be a coup for Villa, whilst the player might see the West Midlands side as a real chance for him to get back playing in the Premier League.

There's no doubt that Smith will be weighing up moves for his former players and one Brentford man who stands out is Mepham.

The Bees rejected big-money bids for the Welsh international in the summer but with the side struggling towards the relegation zone the player may push for a move.

Obviously, it would be a big fee but Smith knows exactly what the centre-back is capable of and he could be a long-term signing in that role.