Free agents Aston Villa could sign right now if disaster was to strike

To some, Aston Villa left themselves short on transfer deadline day knowing the club opted against signing a defensive midfielder.

Villa missed out on Rodrigo Bentancur and Yves Bissouma as Steven Gerrard targeted a replacement for the injured Marvelous Nakamba.

Douglas Luiz will be the man to continue in Gerrard's specialised No.6 position which can also be filled by utility man Calum Chambers and, at a push, Morgan Sanson.

Elsewhere on deadline day, Gerrard gave Matt Targett the green light to move to Newcastle on loan given the signing of Lucas Digne for £25million earlier in the window. Ashley Young will now be Digne's competition at left-back.

Here, checks in with players who are currently free agents Villa could pick up if injuries and emergencies do occur over the next few weeks.

We'll start with the most high-profile name on the free agent list and that's ex-Chelsea striker Diego Costa.

The Brazilian, 33, has cut short his stay at Atletico Mineiro having previously signed a deal until December 2022.

The two-time Premier League winner has 188 goals in his 495 career appearances and is on the market and keen on a return to England.

The Uruguayan left-back, 23, was released by RB Leipzig on December 31 after tearing his knee ligament back in the summer.

Saracchi has played for River Plate, Leipzig and Galatasaray and could be an option if Villa find themselves short all of a sudden at left-back.

Another Uruguayan here with defensive midfielder Oliva on the market after his contract at Italian side Cagliari was terminated on January 28.

The 25-year-old spent a spell on loan at Valencia last year and could be a stop-gap addition if Douglas Luiz was to pick up an injury.

The 31-year-old boasts almost 200