Aston Villa seem to be on the rise under Dean Smith, who has brought the positivity back to Villa Park after a sour end to Steve Bruce’s time at B6.

Whilst three victories from five games is a good return for a new manager, things still need working on, with Villa’s defensive unit far from convincing during the opening 17 fixtures of the Championship season.

The problems stem from Orjan Nyland, Villa’s goalkeeper.

Nyland arrived to take up the No.1 shirt at Villa Park, but he doesn’t fill supporters with confidence and has been guilty of making costly mistakes already this season.

A replacement could be targeted in the approaching winter window, with Tom Heaton a Premier League goalkeeper willing to step down into the Championship.

Leeds United are interested, but Villa would be wise to rival the Whites.

Here at THREE reasons why…

There’s really no other place to start.

Nyland has been very inconsistent this season, and if Villa are going to be promotion contenders, they need a more consistent option as the last line of defence.

Heaton would be far more reliable than Nyland has been.

Axel Tuanzebe is starting to fill the hole left by John Terry, but not in terms of leadership.

Smith’s side still look short of leaders, and should Heaton arrive, he would be a big presence in the dressing room and on the field.

That type of leadership could be crucial to Villa.

If Villa don’t move for Heaton and he ends up at Elland Road, Leeds will be getting stronger.

Leeds are expected to be fighting for promotion, like Villa, so if the 33-year-old ends up in West Yorkshire it will give the Whites another edge over Smith’s side.

Both Leeds and Villa have goalkeeping issues that Heaton would solve.

You could argue that whoever gets his signature would finish higher.

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