Dean Smith says Aston Villa targeting players with Premier League experience in January transfer window

Smith met on Friday night with the club’s chief executive Chrisitian Purslow and sporting director Jesus Garcia Pitarch to discuss the way forward, after both players were ruled out for the rest of the season with serious knee injuries sustained in the New Year’s Day win at Burnley.

With John McGinn already out until late March with a fractured ankle, Villa were expected to be active this month but the loss of two more key players means an increased onus on getting business done quickly.

Bolstering the forward line is the most pressing issue and Smith is hopeful of getting at least one new striker on board before the Premier League visit of Manchester City a week on January 12.

Chelsea duo Michy Batshuayi and Olivier Giroud are both possible loan targets. So too is midfielder Danny Drinkwater following his return to Stamford Bridge yesterday having spent the first half of the campaign with Burnley.

Villa will also consider a short-term replacement for goalkeeper Heaton, though for now Norway international Orjan Nyland has been installed as the club’s No.1.

Smith confirmed the focus will be on recruiting players with prior top flight experience.

He said: “That is very, very important, especially in the January market. You have not got much time for adaptation.

“You need pretty much plug-and-play players who can come and play in the Premier League straight away. That also narrows your search a bit as well.

“I have got a number of positions in mind I want to fill. We have a number of names we would like to fill them with.

“January is a tough window for any club but with the two significant injuries we have had it hastens our desire to get someone in.”

Smith expects a mix of loan and permanent deals but while the boss again allayed fears over Villa’s position with regard to Financial Fair Play, neither does he have unlimited funds to spend following last summer’s £127million outlay.

“These owners have invested incredible amounts already,” he said. “But again they want to establish us as a Premier League team.

“There won’t be endless amounts of money but there will be some to strengthen us in this window.”