Aston Villa could be set to ignite their interest in Harold Moukoudi again after it was reported that the defender could soon be leaving League 2 club Le Havre.

The Birmingham Mail reports the defender's latest omission from the weekend's team that faced Grenoble has opened the door for a possible move away from the French outfit.

And, the 21-year-old could be a much sought-after player at Villa Park following another poor defensive performance by Dean Smith's men against Wigan Athletic the past weekend.

The Birmingham club have long been struggling at the back, with Axel Tuanzebe still recovering from injury, and the side have slumped to 12th on the Championship table following a 3-0 loss at the Latics on Saturday.

The manager is now under a bit of pressure to make a defensive addition this month in order to rejuvenate Villa's fight for a possible playoff spot.

Moukoudi was on the radar of Villa last summer when former manager, Steve Bruce, was keen on signing the centre-back but the player decided to stay at Le Havre.

But his current situation at the club could see Smith make a proper move to secure his services before the transfer market closes with clubs like West Ham United, Borussia Dortmund, Sevilla and Napoli all interested.

Villa's troubles in defence, though, should see Smith force the club's administration to go all out for Moukoudi's signature to help the Villans get their season back on track.

Moukoudi's presence could also lift the performances of other defenders like James Chester and Tommy Elphick and some competition amongst the centre-backs should be something Smith would want in his squad.

Villa have won only one of their previous eight matches in all competitions and are in dire need for some consistency.

Stability and more composed showings at the back would be the first step in the right direction for Smith and Moukoudi would be the perfect player to help the club achieve that.