With John Terry announcing his departure from Aston Villa after failing to secure promotion for the club, Steve Bruce will be keen to secure an experienced player to marshal the defence. For this, he could do much worse than securing Robert Huth.

The German centre-back has seen his contract with Leicester City expire and is now available on a free transfer. While the three-time Premier League winner is now 33 and entering the twilight of his career, there can be little doubt that he would be an astute signing. His physical presence is one that would be well suited to the Championship and would form a strong centre-back pairing with James Chester.

As with any older player, there may be doubts over his long-term fitness, particularly as a malleolar injury wiped out his previous season. However, injuries have been largely few and far between in his career. Additionally, his game has never been orientated around his pace. It is unlikely that there will be a sharp decline in his ability and he will still be a reliable signing.

To secure a player with Huth’s experience and ability would fill in the two major gaps left by Terry’s departure. While Aston Villa are not an inexperienced side, there can be no doubt that the loss of a player of his stature creates a deficit off the pitch as much as on it. With over 300 Premier League appearances, Huth may be the man to fill that void.