Aston Villa's route to the playoff final last season was built upon the foundations provided by John Terry at the heart of defence, but the club have failed to effectively replace the veteran since his contract expired earlier in the summer.

The presence of an experienced figurehead of Terry's reputation can make a huge difference to Championship sides looking to reach the playoffs, and Villa's success with him at the club last season served to illuminate that notion.

His departure has undoubtedly left a gaping void in the defence which Mile Jedinak and Tommy Elphick have struggled to fill so far.

With that in mind, Steve Bruce should be in the market for a defensive acquisition who has the potential to transform his side's defence before the loan window slams shut.

And according to a recent report from the London Evening Standard, a player who fits that description is available for a season-long loan deal, namely Cameron Carter-Vickers.

The report claims that Tottenham are willing to allow the 20-year-old centre-back to join a Championship club on a season-long loan deal, with Swansea currently the favourites to secure his signature.

Although Carter-Vickers does not possess anything comparable to the level of experience Terry brought to the club, he does possess a level of quality which is currently absent from Villa's defensive options aside from the consistent James Chester.

The physically imposing centre-back looked highly-promising last season during two separate loan spells with both Sheffield United and Ipswich Town, and his previous experience in the Championship should ensure he demonstrates a vast improvement during the 2018/19 campaign.

After training under Mauricio Pochettino - a manager who possesses a reputation for implementing a gruelling pre-season training regime - and learning from some of the highest quality players in European football, there's no doubt that Carter-Vickers will be well prepared for a promotion chase this season.

The availability of the USA international simply cannot be ignored and Villa simply must launch a loan bid for his services ASAP to boost their promotion dream.

Aston Villa fans - thoughts? Let us know below!