This article is part of Football FanCast's Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news...

According to Football Insider, Aston Villa are monitoring the progress of Bolton Wanderers winger Dennis Politic ahead of a potential January move.

What's the word?

Those reports suggest that Dean Smith has taken a keen eye on the 19-year-old after he was fast-tracked into the first team this season.

Politic was one of the several youth players that were drafted into the side as the club faced major uncertainty over its long-term future with them very nearly going out of business.

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The Trotters were saved at the 11th hour and as a result, appointed Keith Hill as the manager who then signed an array of players before the transfer deadline closed.

Nine of which were signed on deadline day alone, but the young winger was one player to keep his place amongst the senior fold.

Politic has featured in nine matches already this campaign, playing both on the left and right of midfield, scoring just the one goal against Rochdale in the EFL Cup, per Transfermarkt.

Strength in depth is needed

Although it remains to be seen whether the reports hold any truth, it could still signal Smith's intentions as the January transfer window approaches.

The Villa squad is awash with talent both defensively and in midfield - for instance, behind Tyrone Mings and Bjorn Engels there are three other centre-backs while aside from John McGinn and Jack Grealish, there's Marvelous Nakamba, Douglas Luiz, Conor Hourihane and Henri Lansbury all fighting for that one additional spot.

Summer signing Wesley has been the only fit senior striker for the last few weeks with just three wingers to chose from for the two spots either side of him - therefore, it would make sense for the Villa boss to target an addition in that position.

Politic has barely been exposed to the men's game for long at all, aside from his appearances this season, he's only enjoyed a short loan spell at Salford City as they gained promotion from the National League Premier last season.

In front of co-owner David Beckham, he scored a goal reminiscent of that famous strike against Wimbledon, as he lobbed the opposition goalkeeper from inside the centre circle.

Given the considerable step up in quality from League One to the Premier League, this move would probably be seen as one for the future.

Comments from his Bolton coach Julian Darby should offer further encouragement though, saying the following about Politic: "Dennis is a talent. When he gets on the ball, things happen."

That certainly bodes well.