Aston Villa supporters in the Transfer Tavern are reasonably satisfied at present having seen their side make a great start to the 2018/19 Championship season.

Financial woes gripped Steve Bruce’s side during the summer only for new investment and thus a cash injection to take place late on in the window, allowing the Villans chief to lure John McGinn to Villa Park, at the same time keeping hold of star assets like Jack Grealish. And the Midlands giants have made a fine start to the new season in winning both of their opening two league games, at the same time reaching the second round of the Carabao Cup.

As such, there are many upbeat Villa supporters up and down the country, yet some feel that further improvement between now and the end of the loan window is needed to seriously enhance their promotion credentials.

And they could do a lot worse than seek to lure £5.4 million-rated Ciaran Clark (as per Transfermarkt) back to Villa Park.

The 28-year-old left the Midlands outfit back in 2016 after a 16-year association with Villa, in which time he came up through the youth ranks to go on and play 159 times for the club, 134 appearances of which coming in the Premier League.

Yet the Republic of Ireland international left Villa Park following their relegation from the top-flight two years ago, and although the defender played a part in helping Newcastle return to the Premier League in 2017, and indeed featured 20 times last term, the arrival of Fabian Schar could push the centre back down Rafa Benitez’s pecking order.

And were that to happen in the coming weeks, Bruce’s men must seek to bring him back to Villa Park, especially given fellow centre back John Terry left the club during the summer at the expiration of his contract.

The former Chelsea man was influential in helping the Villans reach the top six last term, yet his departure has left Bruce slightly short in the centre back ranks, with just James Chester, Tommy Elphick, and Axel Tuanzebe available in that department - Clark’s arrival would somewhat bolster those ranks.

The 28-year-old may not have played much Championship football in his career, but his 34 appearances for Newcastle in the 2016/17 campaign underlined just how strong and influential he can be at second tier level, helping Benitez’s side win the title.

And having that experience and know-how of getting the job done in winning promotion, alongside the fact that he is a supremely adept centre back, should be of interest to Bruce as his side seek to make that extra step this term.

As such, although Clark started the 2-1 defeat to Tottenham on Saturday, Schar’s arrival could push him down the pecking order, which is why Bruce should seek to lure the defender back to Villa Park before the end of the month.

Villa fans… what do you think? Let us know!