Villa suffered a horror show at the back as they crashed to an opening day defeat at home to Wigan Athletic and O'Neill is well aware that he needs reinforcements.
Current centre-back pairing Carlos Cuellar and Curtis Davies have failed to live up to expectations since their big money moves from Rangers and West Brom respectively.
So, the Claret and Blue boss is now looking to spend more wisely as he looks to Upson, who at 30, cannot be described as a prospect. But what he is a strong defender who knows how to do his job and that is exaclty what the Villa fans want to see.
The ex-Bluenose has not always had the most welcome reception at Villa Park but should he sign ths summer, he could become a saviour in the eyes of all Villans.
O'Neill has first to overcome the resistance of Gianfranco Zola before he can even think about signing Upson and the Hammers manager has already been quoted as saying he does not want to lose key men so close to the end of the transfer window.
But the little Italian may have no choice in the matter if, as expected, his board overrule him in order to ease the reported financial problems of the club.
Upson would certainly be a big miss for the East Londoners but he would be a more than welcome acquisition for their claret and blue rivals.