Tom Carroll could be a shrewd addition for Aston Villa

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Aston Villa confirmed (official website) the arrival of Swansea City midfielder Tom Carroll on loan on Deadline Day, which could turn out to be a brilliant addition.

The 26-year-old has liked up with Dean Smith’s squad for the rest of the season and the club announced the loan deal does include the option to buy.

He may not be the most inspiring of names to transfer during the January transfer window, but he could be a masterstroke for manager Smith.

Carroll needs a fresh start after struggling at Swansea since returning from injury, but there is no doubt he is still a talented player.

The left-footed central midfielder previously proved his qualities in the Premier League with Swansea and Tottenham, which is why he can be top drawer at Championship level.

Carroll is a technically gifted player with the ball at his feet and a great passer, something that should see him fit in well under Smith.

He will also provide some much-needed competition to the centre of the park and be able to be a like-for-like replacement for mainstays John McGinn and Conor Hourihane.

Villa do lack quality in the midfield at times and having another strong option to rotate should help them claw back the four-point deficit to the play-offs.

Carroll will be a big hit with the Midlands giants if he hits the ground running and he just needs the confidence of regular game-time to reignite his form.