Aston Villa’s start to life under Dean Smith has been impressive and there is genuine hope at Villa Park that the club will challenge for promotion in 2019.  

Smith inherited a little bit of a mess at Villa Park, but has quickly got things back on track and has the club looking upwards.

A six-match unbeaten run has been put together in the build up to the festive period, and Villa Park is a much more exciting place to be, with Smith’s brand of attacking football appreciated by most.

Despite encouraging signs so far, Smith will be desperate for the January transfer window, as he looks to reshape the squad he inherited from Steve Bruce.

According to the Birmingham Mail, goalkeeping options are already under consideration, as Villa look to add an alternative option to Orjan Nyland, who has endured a tough start to life in England.

With that transfer update ringing in our ears, we take a look at THREE options for Smith to consider…

With FFP still hanging over Villa a loan move could be perfect.

Heaton is way down the pecking order at Burnley and would undoubtedly be a great addition for any Championship side.

His experience could be invaluable for the run-in.

Villa own Steer, but he’s currently out on loan with Charlton Athletic.

The 26-year-old is impressing in League One and has kept four clean sheets in 16 appearances.

Again, with FFP still a worry, this’d be a cheap option and allow Smith to strengthen elsewhere.

Admittedly, this one would cost and it’s unclear if Villa have the funds, but Bentley is a promising young goalkeeper who Smith knows well from his time at Brentford.

Bentley has the potential to be an outstanding goalkeeper and a long-term option at Villa Park.

It could be big money, well spent.