With Aston Villa emerging as one of the favourites to sign Manchester United youngster Scott McTominay on a season-long loan deal, the competition for places is likely to be fiercely contested in the Villa midfield. 

Dean Smith arrived at Villa last week and will have a tough job on his hands, as he has a number of central midfield options at his disposal, and will be keen to find the right balance in his first game in charge.

But if McTominay is to arrive at Villa Park then it would add some depth into the Villa midfield, which is something that is needed as the festive period approaches.

McTominay has already proved himself to be a playing at a high level, having featured in a number of games for Jose Mourinho's Manchester United side last season, and he will be confident of securing a place in the Villa starting XI, should he join Dean Smith's side.

Find out the potential new-look Villa midfield here....

McTominay wouldn't be guaranteed a spot in the CDM role but he would hope to settle at the club as quickly as possible. If he does do that, then you can expect him to play a vital role in Dean Smith's side this season and provide excellent defensive cover to the Villa defence.

McGinn is another relatively new signing and has already shown glimpses of class with a stunning strike in their defeat to Sheffield Wednesday. At the age of just 23, McGinn certainly has a lot of potential that he would hope to fulfil in his time at the Championship club.

Hourihane hasn't featured much in a central role this season but this is where I can see him playing his best football, alongside McGinn.

Having started just six games this season, he has been behind Mile Jedinak in the pecking order at Villa Park but having featured in 41 games last season, Hourihane will be hoping to make the most of his new start under Dean Smith.

The on-loan Everton winger was an excellent signing for Villa and I'm surprised they managed to attract a big name like Bolasie to step down to the Championship.

His creative spark could be a real threat for Villa this season, and with Jonathan Kodjia providing the goals for Dean Smith's side, they boast one of the best attacking options in the Championship.

Grealish is crucial to this Aston Villa side.

Although he may not have kicked on as Villa fans would have hoped, he remains a vital member of Dean Smith's side.

I'm still shocked that he stayed at Villa Park this season, with speculation linking him to Premier League side, Tottenham Hotspur seemingly never going away.