This article is part of Football FanCast's Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba's haircuts to League Two relegation battles...

The transfer window is just around the corner, and the speculation as to who could be on the move in January continues to grow more prominent in the British media.

It will be interesting to see whether Aston Villa dip their hands into the market at the start of next year.

The Villans, of course, spent a huge £133.74m during the summer, but that has not translated to success in the Premier League as of yet. As it stands, the Midlands outfit are currently struggling towards the foot of the table, although they have made it to the League Cup semi-final.

As such, Dean Smith could be convinced to splash the cash once again, and one of the names to have already been linked with a move to Villa Park is Christoph Monschein, who currently plays for FK Austria Wien.

The English club have actually been handed a boost in recent days, as well, with the 27-year-old saying that he would be interested in a move abroad should the opportunity arise.

In regard to moving abroad, Monschein said, per LAOLA1: "If everything really fits and it would be a step forward, then I would like to do that."

The Austrian is enjoying a very prolific campaign so far. In 17 games in the country's first tier, he has 13 goals, whilst he has also provided five assists. He has also managed three goals and three assists in two cup matches as well. However, this is something of an anomaly.

This is by far his best-scoring season since 2014/15, and even that campaign came in the fourth division in Austria.

Anyway, the attack isn't the area that requires the most immediate attention for Villa. So far this campaign, they have scored 23 goals, which is more than 12 other teams in the league. It is defensively where they look to be struggling though. Only four teams have conceded less than Smith's side.

Red Herring or Real Hero: Only hardcore Villa fans will get all of them right....

Having spent so much in the last transfer window, they shouldn't really need to bring in any new faces.

But if the club's hierarchy feels the need to, the backline is where they should be looking to improve. And that therefore means that they should avoid Monschein's signature.

In other news, one Villa's man interesting statistic does not have the fans impressed.