Aston Villa linked XI: The players touted with a move to Villa Park

With the transfer window open once again, Aston Villa are regularly being linked with plenty of names.

Facing the large task of rebuilding for the Premier League, Dean Smith's side are expected to add plenty of quality to their squad.

Here is a full XI of players linked with Aston Villa so far this summer, fitting Dean Smith's preferred 4-3-3 formation...

Goalkeeper:

Jack Butland

Being backed to join Villa by the bookies and linked with the club following their promotion, Butland is almost certain to depart Stoke City this summer.

The goalkeeper clearly fancies himself in the top flight and won't want to see his England chances harmed by hanging around in the second tier of English football.

Bournemouth have also been linked, although recent reports seem to suggest Villa are unwilling to meet Stoke's valuation of the stopper.

Defence:

LB - James Justin

A man who enjoyed a rise through the ranks with Luton Town, now in the Championship, James Justin was linked with Villa early this summer.

Best positioned at left-back, the defender is also capable on the right flank too, and made 52 appearances last season, scoring three times and notching nine assists.

Leicester City have since signed the youngster, whilst Villa opted for Matt Targett - another young prospect in the position.

CB - Tyrone Mings

Head to Aston Villa's Twitter feed and hit the replies button and you'll see countless 'announce Mings' tweets aimed at the club.

The loanee became a fan favourite at the club following his loan move from Bournemouth and a permanent move seems written in the stars.

Bournemouth are in no rush to sell however, whilst Villa have a clause to match any bid that arrives for the centre back.

Villa are now poised to sign the former loanee for a £20m fee.

CB - Gary Cahill

Free to join a new club with Chelsea confirming that he will not be offered a new deal, Cahill will have plenty of offers.

A move from Villa's end doesn't seem too likely, given their desire to lower the average age and wages around the club.

Cahill was on a reported £130,000-per-week last season, and at 33 years of age he meets neither of the aforementioned desires.

Villa remain favourites to sign him however...

RB - Daniel Opare

Linked with a move to Villa at the beginning of June, Daniel Opare is a right back who would come at a bargain price should reports be confirmed.

The 28-year-old defender is currently on the books at Royal Antwerp, and could be allowed to leave for as little as £500,000 according to some reports.

Villa already have the likes of Frederic Guilbert and Ahmed Elmohamady capable of playing at right-back, and fellow promoted side Norwich have also been linked.

Midfield:

CM - Kalvin Phillips

One of Leeds' outstanding performers last season, reports in the national press linked him with a move to B6 earlier this summer.

Villa let go of Glenn Whelan and Mile Jedinak, meaning some depth in central midfield could be welcomed this season by fans.

Phillips would provide that, although his credentials at Premier League level are identical to that of Villa's current options in Conor Hourihane, John McGinn and Henri Lansbury.

Leeds have reportedly offered him a new deal at Elland Road to try and keep him at the club.

CM - Valentin Rongier

Not many Villa fans will have known too much about Valentin Rongier before this summer.

He's been one big money man linked with the club, with the Nantes midfielder unlikely to be available at a bargain price.

Favouring a central position, he can play as a defensive or attacking midfielder. Southampton have also been linked with the 24-year-old.

CM - Tom Bayliss

Just 20 years old, Tom Bayliss is highly rated midfielder currently on the books at Coventry City.

His name cropped up in relation with Dean Smith in June, following the decision by the boss to allow Mile Jedinak and Glenn Whelan to leave the club.

West Ham are also being credited with an interest.

Forwards:

LW - Said Benrahma

Said Benrahma in action against West Brom (AMA)

A player clearly in Villa's sights, Said Benrahma is of interest to Dean Smith, with the two having worked together at Brentford.

The Villa boss faces a tricky task bringing him to B6 though, with Brentford likely to hold out for a big pay-day.

Should Villa be willing to cough up the cash and bring him to the club, he'll be a big option on either wing.

RW - Joe Lolley

A superb player for Nottingham Forest last season, Lolley has been linked with Villa regularly - partly down to the fact that he's a Villa fan.

Whilst his allegiance as a fan lies with Villa, it's his quality on the pitch which is the big factor here.

At home on the right flank, Lolley would definitely fit in at Villa. He won't come cheap though.

CF - Tammy Abraham

A man who impressed at Villa Park on-loan last season to say the least.

With 26 goals in 40 appearances in claret and blue, Villa would obviously be interested in making his switch to Villa Park a permanent one.

That seems less than likely at the time of writing, with the striker penning an emotional post to Villa fans following the end of his loan move. Add to that the recent appointment of Frank Lampard at Stamford Bridge and the club's transfer embargo and an exit seems unlikely.

Should Chelsea signal their intentions to sell, Villa could be in for him. If they choose to keep the 21-year-old then Dean Smith will need to look elsewhere.