Arsenal right-back Justin Hoyte has emerged as January target for Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill.

O'Neill has made signing a new right-back his priority when the transfer window re-opens in the New Year. He was unable to bring one in before the window closed at the end of last month and that has left him without a senior specialist right-back to call-on.

Villa have used midfielder Craig Gardner and central defender Olof Mellberg in the role this season. Hoyte, 22, has only made one appearance so far this season for Arsenal.