Aston Villa failing to sign Charlie Austin could cost them play-off chances

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Aston Villa fell to a 1-0 defeat against Brentford yesterday, another big blow to their hopes of making the Championship play-offs.

A late goal from Neal Maupay condemned Dean Smith to defeat against his former team.

The game certainly highlighted the fact that Aston Villa did not do enough transfer business in January.

Tammy Abraham had a rare off day whilst Jonathan Kodjia has been struggling to find any real form in the Championship this season.

Aston Villa, who let Scott Hogan leave the club on loan, clearly could have done with bringing in another striker in January.

One player they were linked with was Charlie Austin. The Telegraph reported that Ralph Hasenhuttl had informed Austin he was free to leave St Mary’s if he wanted last month.

The same report highlighted Aston Villa as a possible destination. Austin, who has a fine scoring record in the Championship with the likes of Burnley and QPR, would undoubtedly have been a fantastic signing for Dean Smith’s side.

Now Aston Villa look thin up front if Abraham needs support or is simply not in the scintillating form that the Championship side have been used to this term.

Securing a deal for the 6ft 2ins powerhouse Austin would undoubtedly have given them a real chance of sneaking into the top six. Without him, it looks a tall order.