Alan Hutton has indicated that signing Crystal Palace striker Christian Benteke would be a good move for Aston Villa, as reported by Football Insider.

What did he say?

Quite simply, Villa are in desperate need of a striker, with Wesley out until the end of the season, Keinan Davis still unavailable and Jonathan Kodjia edging towards the exit door, as reported by Phil McNulty.

Benteke is one of the names being thrown into the hat of players who could make the move to Villa Park, being linked by The Telegraph, with Hutton indicating that he feels this would be a smart move.

Speaking to Football Insider, the former Villa right-back said: “His record was really good at Villa, I think it was a goal every two games, around about that mark, to be honest, he was sensational.

“Big, powerful, the way we played suited him, balls into the box, holding the ball up, getting to use his head, so he’d definitely suit them.

“I know he has tailed off over the last few years, Liverpool move didn’t work, Crystal Palace he’s not scored many.

“But I know him as a person and he’ll be desperate to prove his worth and maybe a move back to Villa…I’m sure the Villa fans will welcome him back with open arms, so I definitely see that as being an option if the package is right.”

Getting the best out of him

Benteke has failed to score a single Premier League goal in four starts and 11 substitute appearances for Palace this season.

However, that does not mean that he hasn't had an impact of any kind, as he averages 4.4 aerial duels won per game, while also making 0.5 key passes and 0.5 dribbles per game - which is not bad considering most of his appearances have come off the bench.

He has also shown encouraging signs in individual performances, such as the one against Newcastle United.

Villa will know better than most that Benteke can be lethal on his day. He bagged 49 goals and 12 assists during his 101 games for the club.

If they can get the 29-year-old anywhere near that kind of form again, it would be a definite boost to Dean Smith's hopes of keeping Villa in the Premier League.

Meanwhile, Villa's proposed transfer shows that they are like a kid in a candy store during the window.