Aston Villa manager Dean Smith has already brought about change at Villa Park, with his side up to eighth in the Championship just four points off the play-off places.

But with the January transfer window fast approaching, Smith will have the chance to stamp his own mark on the Villa squad, with a goal-keeper, a left-back and a centre-back all being suggested as areas that require attention.

So who will Smith be targeting in January? Are these three positions the right positions to be strengthening in?

We discuss.....

Jay Taylor

Those are the three positions you’d probably consider are a concern for Dean Smith.

A new keeper is needed for sure to replace the nervy Orjan Nyland.

Central defenders are additions that need to be made as quickly as humanly possible to add depth to an area that has been devoid of any all season – Villa are lucky with the lack of injuries they’ve had to their back pairing.

And of course, a left-back, there is no cover for Neil Taylor with right-back Alan Hutton shifting over there if needed and Ahmed Elmohamady moving the right back should he be needed.

So, I agree with the areas Smith is looking to improve.

George Harbey

This will be a breath of fresh air for Villa fans.

The only thing that has prevented Villa from forming a serious promotion push is their defence - it’s been shocking quite frankly.

Hopefully these additions shore them up.

Gary Hutchinson

Spot on, if I had their squad on Football Manager, I’d be targeting the same.

They’ve got enough going forward for a midtable Premier League finish.

At the back, they’re barely Championship quality right now.

Three new arrivals and they’ll be laughing all the way to the top six and beyond.