So far, Martin O'Neill's signings have been a variety of English players, from young and unproven to experienced but average Premier League players and three foreigners.

The three foreign players aren't exactly stars. Stilian Petrov is a player who knew O'Neill from there days at Celtic and would have plenty of respect for the Irishman. John Carew was a reserve at Lyon looking for a new start, and Moustapha Salifou hasn't played yet, although he looks good in reserve team action.

Villa are improving week by week. But with the January transfer window coming soon, and Villa looking good enough for a European place finish this season, surely now is the time to bring in at least two big name signings. The current squad looks pretty solid, but a couple of 24 to 28-year-olds with European and international pedigree could so easily elevate the club to a possible top four finish.

Who can Villa buy? Full-back Jose Bosingwa at FC Porto looks like a real target for O'Neill. He is at the top of his game at the moment, but with his club still in Europe it's unlikely he would join the Villa at this stage of the season. He was available at the start of the season, but the price might well have trebled as a result of Porto's impressive progress in the Champions League.

If I was looking for a right-sided midfielder with experience and international pedigree it would be Maxi Rodriguez. He is captain of Atletico Madrid right now, having taking over from Fernando Torres in the summer. He could be the kind of player to ensure Villa a top four place.

Rumour has it that Villa are looking for a striker. Gabby Agbonlahor is performing well at the moment, and Carew is starting to get among the goals. Marlon Harewood scored his 100th club goal recently, but Luke Moore and Shaun Maloney look to have lost their early-season spark.