What with the recent arrival of new Villa boss Steven Gerrard from Rangers and following his debut victory over Brighton (2-0), the rumour-mill needs to keep pace.
With the January transfer window now only a mere matter of weeks away, here are the very latest names being linked with a switch to Villa Park.
Borna Barisic
Embed from Getty ImagesYes, brace yourself for Villa to be linked to anyone and everyone to have a passing association with Rangers Football Club.
Barisic, a 29 year old defender, has appeared 100+ times north of the border and has a valuation reportedly in the region of £8m.
This link raises an eyebrow certainly given the clubs general tendency to identify emerging talents, rather than looking towards players pushing 30. Although some might of course gently point to Ashley Young (35) and Danny Ings (29) as recent exceptions.
Villa have struggled defensively this season and although much improved in the victory over Brighton, Matty Targett has struggled at left back this term. Despite this, this link appears tenuous at best.
Pau Torres
Embed from Getty ImagesA more interesting rumour is that of Villarreal defender Pau Torres.
The tall centre back has good pedigree, with the 24 year featuring in the Champions League and having been capped 16 times already for Spain.
Torres infamously turned down Spurs last summer, citing a lack of European football as the primary reason.
This would suggest that any move by Villa would be as ambitious as it would prove costly, with Torres valued at around €50 million.
Whilst Villa have been inconsistent defensively, it will be interesting to see the clubs approach given the repeated statements of continuous improvement.
Gerrard must now assess existing centre-half pairings for the medium term.
For most, the obvious enduring partnership of England international Mings and Konsa is first choice. Kortney Hause remains an able deputy and also has versatility as a left footer. There certainly remains space for a permanent addition, with Axel Tuanzebe’s second loan spell at Villa Park from Manchester United under-whelming to date.