OPINION
Aston Villa’s defence is at crisis point and whoever is in charge of the club in January needs to sign a proven centre-back to solve what is turning into a major issue for the club.
James Chester’s red card against Preston on Tuesday means that Steve Bruce has just one natural centre-back in his side in Axel Tuazebe.
Mile Jedinak has been played in the centre of defence, to the frustration of the fans, but Villa need someone who can play there every week, be one of the first names on the teamsheet and more importantly, is an actual central defender.
Newcastle United’s Ciaran Clark would be the perfect option for Aston Villa.
The former Villa defender, who made over 150 appearances for the club before leaving in 2016, may be playing regularly for the Magpies at the moment due to injuries, but there is no doubt that he has the ability to be one of the top centre-backs in the Championship.
Two seasons ago the 29-year-old was formidable in Rafa Benitez’s backline as Newcastle won the second-tier title and earned promotion to the Premier League.
If Clark was to return to Villa Park in January, there is little doubt that the £35,000-a-week (Spotrac) player could once again shutout Championship attacks and really help the West Midlands club climb up the table and launch a late bid for promotion.
Steve Bruce’s future at the club is looking bleak at the moment, but even if he does leave Villa Park then Clark should still be a top priority for the next transfer window.