Aston Villa secured a much-needed win last night against Rotherham, with Steve Bruce's men keeping their first clean sheet in the league too.

After a busy end to the window, that saw Yannick Bolasie, Anwar El Ghazi and Tammy Abraham join the West Midlands side, Villa look excellent going forward, particularly as they have kept Jack Grealish too.

Yet, even at this early stage of the season, you can see that defensive issues could prevent Bruce's side challenging for automatic promotion.

It would be easy to blame the lack of options at centre-back, which needs addressing, but there could also be concerns about the protection they get.

Glenn Whelan has been a good player over the years but the 34-year-old is struggling to make the XI regularly now and an upgrade in that defensive midfield position is required in the next market.

Here we look at three potential signings that could improve Villa defensively and provide the attacking players with a platform to perform...

The Chelsea youngster is a top talent and even though his long-term future might be as a centre-back, he could do the Whelan role at Villa Park.

Ampadu played in a defensive midfield role for Wales in the international break and was superb in the victory over Ireland.

He has a good passing range, a physical presence and coudl flourish playing regularly.

If Bruce wants to look for one of the best players in the Championship in this position, he would have to check out Preston's Pearson.

The former Manchester United man is a combative, aggressive option and would add a real steel to the Villa midfield.

The arrival of Joao Moutinho has pushed Saiss out of the Wolves team and he may struggle to make the squad once Leander Dendoncker is match fit.

Therefore, he may be open to a move and would be a fantastic signing for Villa. The Morocco international has proven himself at this level and would be a perfect signing.

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