Former Aston Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie has told Football FanCast in an exclusive interview that Dean Smith needs £150m this summer in order for the Midlands club to continue progressing.

After coming close to relegation last season, Villa are having a brilliant campaign this time round.

Under Smith, the Villans sit ninth in the Premier League and are still very much in the conversation when it comes to those European qualification spots.

To go that one step further, though, and truly challenge for a Champions League place, Hendrie believes Smith will have to spend some serious money in the next transfer window. He told FFC:

"That's what Dean's going to have to do. He's got to bring someone in, or two or three players in, whether it's £150m he spends. If you're going to certainly push for that Champions League spot or a European spot, you know, I think he's got to spend around £150m.

"These days £150m is nothing, but I think Dean will be looking to bring three players maybe that certainly can push Villa forward and build them small steps because that isn't an overnight process."

One area Smith could look to strengthen this summer is up front, with The Telegraph reporting that there is a desire at Villa Park to bring someone in who can provide some competition for top scorer Ollie Watkins.

As for outgoings, the same outlet reports Jack Grealish could become a priority for Manchester City if they are unable to land Borussia Dortmund's in-demand striker Erling Haaland.