West Bromwich Albion are short of defensive central midfielders, and what they have only just cut it, so should make a move for Mile Jedinak.

Why go for Jedinak?

Aston Villa, unlike the Baggies, have a key defensive midfielder in their ranks but are so far this season opting to play the experienced Jedinak in defence more than in a holding midfield slot.

The 34-year-old has been a key player at Villa since joining from Crystal Palace where minutes were harder to come by, but that should not stop West Brom from bringing his experience to The Hawthorns amidst a more realistic promotion challenge than at Villa Park, who are in 16th place.

West Brom are currently just two-points from the top of the Championship and find themselves with a far more comfortable goal difference than Norwich, who join the Baggies on 24-points having played a game more.

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Adding the Australian international to the heart of the team would give Darren Moore additional options to further cement the club’s position, having not kept a clean sheet since edging Millwall 2-0 back on September 22.

The rate bookings are piling up in midfield, and Jake Livermore’s suspension thanks to a red card, will further pile pressure on the 44-year-old manager with a lack of serious cover in a key position.

Could it happen?

Aston Villa are unlikely to want to see a key part of their side leave, having made 33 appearances in his debut season and a further 28 the year after.

Jedinak also averages nearly two tackles and interceptions a match, according to WhoScored, with a year on year increase in clearances. This season alone has seen the Australia international’s clearances double, mostly thanks to his deeper role.

At present, Transfermarkt place a value of £1.8million on Villa’s 6 foot 2 midfielder, although the club may look to recoup more of the £4.1million it spent to lure him from Palace in 2016.

Any deal would certainly help Aston Villa to strengthen in other key areas in order to move up the table, and Jedinak’s age may work in West Brom’s favour here.

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