Aston Villa would move a step closer to promotion with ex-defender

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Aston Villa need to add a left-footed defender to their squad.

Ask most Aston Villa fans about the start to the Championship campaign, and the majority would agree that they would have taken their fifth-placed position after 13 league outings.

However, question marks still arise at the back from time to time when the Midlands outfit come up against a Championship opposition that boast attackers who can play with both feet.

Neil Taylor is Aston Villa’s only left-footed defender currently in the first team, following the sale of Jordan Amavi to Ligue 1 giants Marseille this summer, and the Welshman’s suspension has highlighted the need for a left-footed defender.

Step forward former Villa defender Liam Ridgewell, who is currently in the form of his life in Major League Soccer as he continues to inspire Portland Timbers towards another league triumph.

Ridgewell, 33, won the MLS Cup in 2014-15 and is on course to lift a second trophy during his time across the pond as the Timbers sit at the top of the Eastern Conference.

And it is Ridgewell’s form that has been a secret weapon in helping the Timbers achieve such a dominating position.

Scoring three goals in 15 MLS appearances, the former Birmingham and West Brom defender has also helped his side keep four clean sheets in a league where goals are everywhere.

With just over a year left on his contract, the former England Under-21 international would not cost much more than a nominal fee.

Growing wiser with age, his goalscoring form, left foot and knowledge of the passionate Villa fans would make him a crucial signing if Steve Bruce opted to bring the veteran back to Villa Park.