Stan Collymore has responded when asked where Aston Villa could look to improve their squad.

Dean Smith’s side are rightfully being mentioned as possible contenders for the European positions this season, as they’ve been excellent in the opening few months.

After fighting a relegation battle last year, the Midlands giants looked transformed into a new side.

Villa are eighth in the Premier League table as it stands, but have a couple of games in hand on most teams and they could fly up the division as a result.

Collymore has been asked how his former club Villa could improve in the transfer window and named four positions that could be strengthened.

He’s suggested they could do with reinforcements in the full-back area to cover for Matty Cash and Matt Target, plus he’d like to sign a “top quality central defender” signed and also a physical striker.

Not a specific player but areas moving forward.

1 top quality central defender.

Better cover for both Cash and Targett.

A physical striking option ( lets wait to see what Wesley can offer as well) as backup/different option to Watkins. https://t.co/VhBNe2efNm

— Stan Collymore (@StanCollymore) January 14, 2021

TBR’s View:

With this season turning out to be so open, it looks like Villa are one of the teams from outside the traditional top six that can be ambitious with their aspirations and dream of finishing around the top four.

Smith’s side have proven they’ve got the individuals capable of going toe-to-toe with anyone across the division, especially when their captain and playmaker Jack Grealish is on form.

Collymore has suggested that an elite centre-half should be targeted, but there is no need to be rash in their transfer strategy and see where they are next summer.