Dean Smith appears to have somewhat of a transfer war chest this summer at Villa Park but a shrewd and under the radar piece of business could be Chris Wood ,who has been backed to impress for the Villans by former Newcastle United defender Steve Howey.

Wood is part of an illustrious club that may surprise a few people, especially Villa fans who may not be impressed with links suggesting Smith could move for the striker, as he is one of only eight players to have hit double figures in the last four Premier League seasons.

The New Zealand international has a contract that runs until 2023 but that has not stopped Villa from being linked with the striker, and it would appear no price tag would put them off if they accept Manchester City's £100 million offer for Jack Grealish.

It would certainly be a different type of signing to Ollie Watkins but with Smith unable to rely on his main striker to be firing every single game, a proven Premier League player like Wood who would offer them a different style of attacking could be a smart signing, according to Howey, who spoke exclusively to Football FanCast:

"He's certainly a very good outlet, you can just clip a ball into him if you're under pressure and he can win you a foul further up the pitch. 

"If he can improve his hold-up play then I certainly think you've got a striker there with his goals that could be quite good for Villa."

Wood was signed from Leeds when they were in the Championship and despite being part of a Burnley side who are more often than not in a relegation battle, he's thrived off great service and Sean Dyche's side playing to his strengths.

Despite his frame and being six foot three, his touch and finishing with his feet is very underrated. You just have to look at his goal away to Fulham last season which left Alphonse Areola with no chance, and Alan Shearer praising him last year for being very good at occupying two centre backs at once, saying he's "horrible to play against".