Aston Villa have had a rather disappointing start to their latest Premier League season from a defensive point of view.

With four games played, the Villans have lost three and won one, scoring three goals and conceding seven in the process.

One figure that has been heavily involved for the Midlands club at the back so far is Ezri Konsa.

In fact, the one game that Villa won is the only match that Konsa didn't start and play the full 90 minutes of.

With the end of the current summer transfer window in sight, the next few days could give the Villans the chance to not only bring in a new defensive figure to help strengthen their squad at the back and replace the injured Diego Carlos, but it could also give them the opportunity to find a potential upgrade on Konsa.

One player that has been linked with a move to Villa Park that could fit the bill is West Ham United defender Craig Dawson.

To compare the two players from their previous league campaigns, the West Ham figure won more tackles (21 v 14), made more successful pressures (67 v 64), blocks (66 v 43) and clearances (145 v 81) than the 24-year-old.

Dawson's performances on the European stage last season also proved how impressive he is as journalist Roshane Thomas lauded his display against Olympique Lyon in the Europa League as "superb."

With 238 Premier League appearances under his belt, this sort of experience would make it easy for him to settle into Villa if they were to secure a deal.

Taking all of this into account, it's clear that the 32-year-old has what it takes to be a solid addition to Steven Gerrard's squad. He's someone that could teach and guide a player like Konsa to become a better defender while replacing Carlos throughout his injury.

Bearing in mind the defensive situation that Villa find themselves in, securing a deal for the £42.5k-per-week earner could be just what the Midlands club need on a short-term basis to ensure they don't keep leaking goals and dropping points.

Therefore, it should be the club's top priority to sign him before the summer transfer window shuts.