Aston Villa were one of the busiest clubs in the summer transfer window. The Villans were forced into a major overhaul after losing several key stars and are still awaiting their first Premier League points of the season as a result.

So far, after two defeats from two, they're yet to see the fruits of their labour. However, as time goes on, Unai Emery will be hoping that a new-look starting side will take the Midlands club into European contention yet again.

There are also no signs that the spending is done. Even after splashing out, this is still a squad which needs work. After all, the Villans have lost almost more than half the starting side that won them the Europa League last season.

Next on the agenda is the January transfer window and yet another Premier League addition, with Jean-Philippe Mateta set to take centre-stage.

The Frenchman is into the final year of his deal at Crystal Palace and January will be the final chance for the Eagles to cash in after missing their window in the summer market.

Once again, just like last January, Mateta's move came to a crashing halt after the most untimely injury appeared. This arrived at the same time that reports claimed the forward was disputing his Crystal Palace contract, insisting that their option to trigger one extra year was invalid.

Ultimately, Palace won their case and Mateta remained at Selhurst Park. But when January arrives, things could finally change - allowing Villa to swoop in.

Aston Villa plotting bargain Mateta deal in January

As reported by Football Insider's Pete O'Rourke, Aston Villa are now readying a move to sign Mateta in the January transfer window. The Midlands club were among the clubs interested in the summer, before the forward's hamstring injury ended any exit rumours.

The deal may be worth the wait when it comes to Palace's asking price. Given that this winter is their last chance to cash-in on Mateta, the Eagles are expected to consider a cheaper deal for their star man. That will come as a relief for Aston Villa after already spending so big.

Mateta's arrival would hand Aston Villa a proven, consistent goalscorer. As exciting as Nicolas Jackson is and could be, he is yet to prove his worth in England after a previous spell at Chelsea.

Mateta can't say the same. He's scored 50 goals for Crystal Palace in the Premier League, won the Europa Conference League and FA Cup, and has deserved a big move for quite some time. Dubbed "one of the best forwards in the Premier League" by Wayne Rooney, the Palace star is one to watch.

Although Aston Villa won't be the only side interested in January, they have still got money to spend after suffering an exodus of talent.