Aston Villa boss Dean Smith confident of getting the men he wants before transfer deadline

With less than a week to go, boss Smith admitted his phone is currently “red hot” as he works on deals prior to the window closing next Thursday.

Adding competition at left-back remains a priority and Villa are hopeful of landing Tyrone Mings from Bournemouth, despite strong competition from Albion and Nottingham Forest.

A defensive-minded midfielder is also high on the agenda, while it remains possible Smith may look to bring in another centre-back, with skipper James Chester still battling a knee problem.

Sporting director Jesus Garcia Pitarch is playing a central role in negotiations and is in regular contact with Smith and chief executive, Christian Purslow.

Asked on his ideal outcome a week from now, Smith replied: “Realistically, it is strengthening up defensively.

“I am confident that by the time the window shuts next week we will have got the players in we need.

“I have said before I don’t think the balance is quite right there. We have one injury against Stoke City with Axel and we end up playing three right-backs in a back four.

“That can’t be right. We have to address that and make sure we organise that in this window.”

Villa are targeting young recruits in particular as they look to reduce the age of the squad.

Smith explained: “The future of the football club has to be getting players in who have potential.

“We want to raise the market value also. We want players who can develop and get better.

“Probably lower the age of the squad we have got, too. That’s something we will work on."