Aston Villa have made a good start to life under Dean Smith and have their sights firmly set on the Sky Bet Championship’s play-off zone heading into the festive period.

A six-match unbeaten run has been a huge positive for Villa, who now have chance to make statements against Stoke City and Leeds United at Villa Park in the coming weeks.

Despite their impressive form, Smith will still be looking forward to the January transfer window, which will present the boss with a first opportunity to alter the squad he inherited from Steve Bruce.

One man who still remains on the fringe at Villa Park is Henri Lansbury, although the midfielder did suffer a frustrating setback on a rare chance in the Second City derby.

Nevertheless, after a frustrating two years, it does look time for Lansbury to move on.

Here at FLW, we take a look at THREE upgrades on the former Nottingham Forest skipper…

It’s been reported that Smith is keen on a reunion with Sawyers, who is a player that has impressed under Smith at both Walsall and Brentford.

Whilst many wouldn’t see him as an upgrade as such, he would excel under the management of Smith and bring more to Villa’s midfield unit.

Bannan is another who has previously been linked with a move to Villa Park.

The Sheffield Wednesday midfielder has been a rare bright spark at Hillsborough this season and would improve Villa’s options in the middle.

Having him, John McGinn and Jack Grealish in the side together might be a problem, though.

Granted, this would cost Villa an absolute fortune they don’t seem to have, but Browne would be a superb addition.

The 23-year-old has six goals for Preston from midfield this season and has really impressed in the Championship.

An upgrade on Lansbury, for sure.