Aston Villa manager Dean Smith is looking ahead to next season already with 23-year-old Barnsley centre-back Liam Lindsay a target, according to the print edition of the Sun on Sunday (Feb 24, Page 64).

Smith has had to do make some changes at the back already since his arrival at the club, as Villa had looked defensively weak and currently Tyrone Mings, Tommy Elphick and James Chester have been filling the defensive spots.

So if Lindsay signed today, would he get anywhere near the Villa starting XI?

We discuss.....

Gary Hutchinson

“Right now, today, no.

“Mings, Elphick and Chester are vying for the two spots and Lindsay would be fourth.

“Villa won’t be able to sign Mings in the summer if the bidding gets too high.

“They might even cash in on Chester. That’s when the doors open.”

Jacob Potter

"He’d certainly be in with a shout.

"He has age on his side, and I think he could thrive under the management of Dean Smith.

"Lindsay could benefit from learning from the likes of James Chester and could play a starring role for Villa next season."

[ad_pod ]

George Harbey

"I think he has to.

"If Mings doesn’t stay beyond this season then Lindsay should be thrown straight into the team in my opinion.

"He’s give them real stability at the back."

Jay Taylor

“You know what? I think he would.

“Villa’s defence is poor, and there is no coincidence that Lindsay’s performances have aided Barnsley’s fight to move second in the league below.

“Confident, powerful and defensively sound – he could improve their backline no end.”