Villa blogger Dave Bytheway is happy to propose some targets for manager Martin O’Neill as the transfer window kicks into gear.

All quiet on the transfer front! But then again, this is nothing new and totally expected from Martin O’Neill, so us Villa fans tend not to get too excited or worried – even until the last few hours.

Despite admitting our squad is painfully thin, there has as yet – at day 22 in the Transfer Window – been not only any signings, but no concrete public offers either.

I have to say I’m totally behind O’Neill in the way he does his business. Always done behind the scenes, out of the public eye. To compare his approach to that of Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp, well it doesn’t compare at all!

I feel we need at least five additions to our squad, and none of those should really be looked upon as ‘squad players.’ They should all be ready now to challenge the first team, and not really content to sit on the bench.

My personal choice for a centre forward would be Nicklas Bendtner from Arsenal. Big, strong and scores goals, although I know a lot of Villa fans won’t agree I’m sure!

The other obvious names that are thrown up are Sunderland’s Kenwyne Jones and Tottenham’s Darren Bent, both of whom I would be delighted with, but Bendtner for me would be ideal.

I’d also offer Middlesbrough Marlon Harewood plus cash for their England winger Stuart Downing. He shone at Villa Park this season, and is exactly the kind of player who could fit straight into our set up.

We also need a left-back. Although he hasn’t had the rub of the green at Tottenham, maybe Gareth Bale is worth considering? We could get him for considerably less than the £10million Spurs paid Southampton for his services.

Locally, maybe Sylvan Ebanks-Blake is worth a shout. He is banging in goals for the Wolves, and maybe worth a go at the next level.

Finally, young Fabian Delph at Leeds is grabbing the attention of Premiership clubs, already being dubbed the new Paul Scholes, but with a price tag of £6million plus, is he worth the risk?

Another great result last weekend too at Sunderland, albeit once again a little fortunate. James Milner’s goal for us was hand ball, but as he said it would have been a penalty and red card for Chimbonda if he had missed.

Gareth Barry’s penalty could have been given outside the box but they all count, and it was another three points to keep us up there for the time being.

On a sad note, Johnny Dixon, the last Villa captain to lift the FA Cup has passed away aged 85. Born in Newcastle Upon Tyne on 10 December 1923, Johnny played for Aston Villa from 1945 until his retirement in 1961, making 430 appearances and scoring 144 goals.

I’m sure the thoughts of Villa fans worldwide are with his family at this time, Johnny will always be a true Villa legend.

Have a good weekend. Up the Villa!