Centre-back is priority in January

Speaking to the Aston Villa Official Website, he pointed out that funds are still available to bolster the defence.

Had he not had funds to bring in Bouma and a centre-back, then he would have opted to prioritising a centre-back. But luckily, the board backed him all the way.

O'Leary also admitted that he's been trying to sort this out for a while and he may have to wait until the end of the season to make a move, should the right player not be available.

Meanwhile, Bouma linked up with his new team mates this morning for training, ahead of the visit to the Boleyn Ground on Monday night. O'Leary said that he has no doubts that Bouma will make his debut, along with Milner, in the trip to West Ham.

Talking of left-sided players, Gareth Barry today stated that the current Villa squad is the best he's every worked with.

Barry made his debut in the squad that was bolstered soon after with the likes of Paul Merson, Steve Stone and Dion Dublin.