BBC Sport pundit predicts 'good player' to depart Aston Villa as early as January transfer window

We’re delighted to welcome former Aston Villa full-back Alan Hutton as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Villa Park…

Alan Hutton says Leander Dendoncker is a "good player", but not one who is of the calibre to take Aston Villa to the next level.

Dendoncker joined Villa from Midlands rivals Wolves for a reported £12.9million fee [The Athletic] in September 2022.

The Belgium international has started just 11 games since then, however, and has yet to be picked from the beginning of a Premier League game this term.

Dendoncker played 90 minutes for Villa in their 1-1 Europa Conference League draw with Zrinjski Mostar in midweek, but he is certain to make way against Brentford.

Villa may well be able to attract bigger names next year should they qualify for the Champions League for the first time.

Former Villa defender Hutton believes it may well be that 28-year-old Dendoncker is sold at some point, potentially as soon as January.

"When a new manager comes in, he will assess every player in the squad," Hutton told Villa News.

"He has given them ample opportunities in Europe and other competitions. For me, I don't think he's the go-to to take Villa to the next level.

"He's obviously a good player, but I think it's one the club will move on from in the near future."

In other Aston Villa news, Unai Emery will be without a key player for the trip to Brentford.