Villa management: Rodgers signs and Emery solves right-back problem with three departures.
Morgan Rodgers is a transfer target for Aston Villa.
Unai Emery’s side are looking to build on last season’s momentum and finish fourth in the Premier League after a superb start to the season.
As well as their hopes of advancing to the Champions League, Villa are also aiming to progress to the last 16 of the Europa League and win the European Cup with a chance to progress to the FA Cup.
If Emery continues his spell at Villa Park, it could be a season to remember.
No notable new signings are expected in January, but the addition of a player or two could be a game-changer as Villa’s season draws to a close.
That said, Birmingham Live have considered what Villa should do before the end of the January transfer window.
The new face of Bodimoor HeathMiddlesbrough midfielder Morgan Rodgers could be the kind of player Villa are missing right now.
The Villans have had their first two bids rejected but are expected to come back with an improved offer and Boro are prepared to sell the 21-year-old if the price is met.
The former West Brom academy talent emerged as a target for Villa earlier this week and has scored six goals and provided nine assists in 32 games since signing Michael Carrick in the summer.
Rodgers can play in a variety of forward positions and his versatility will be a key asset for Villa.
A young midfielder from the Championship might not seem like the most logical move for a team chasing Champions League football.
But in recent weeks, Amy Buendia’s unpredictability has been felt.
The team have struggled to do their best in attack and the addition of Rodgers, a new talent looking to come into his own, could be the spark Villa need to get back into action.
The next player to go to Bodymoor Heat is Kosta Nedelkovic.
It was confirmed earlier this week that Villa had signed the 18-year-old Crvena Zvezda Serbian right-back in a £6.5m deal.
Nedeljkovic is expected to be on loan to Serbia, but his whereabouts have proved a mystery for Unai Emery this season.
Matty Cash is the team’s only legitimate right back and using Ezri Konsa as a full back is a constant problem.
Heading into the summer, Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremy Primfogg will be dreaming of solving his right-back problem.
However, the return of Kane Kesler-Hayden from his loan spell at Plymouth Argyle could provide a quick turnaround for this season.
Asked about the FA Youth Cup winner, Plymouth manager Ian Foster said: “Aston Villa have promised us they will fight for their place and we wish them all the best.”
Despite many calls from fans for a new striker, West Ham have seen their bid for John Duran rejected as it speaks for itself against Villa’s strengths.
Emery still has faith in the 20-year-old and Duran has often impressed from the bench, scoring four goals this season.
It’s not much to ask of a backup striker who is still learning his trade.Elsewhere, reported target Håkon Valdimarsson could bolster the club’s goalkeeping options.
Amy Martinez’s backup role has been filled by Robin Olsen, but Valdimarsson could be available in the future.
He was named goalkeeper of the year for Swedish side IF Elsborg last season, keeping 14 clean sheets in 29 games, and Villa will be fighting for his signature in Copenhagen.
Now it’s time to partUnai Emery, who has been in charge for over a year, has left his mark on the Villa team.
Most of the players could still be carryovers from other eras, but the manager has turned them into top four contenders.
For some, their time in the villa is coming to an end. The same goes for Callum Chambers and Bertrand Traore.
As for Chambers, if Tyrone Mings qualifies, he would be considered a top-6 player.
Meanwhile, the January transfer window is Villa’s last chance to pay for Traore, whose contract expires in the summer.
Burkina Faso’s Traore said the AFCON could be a useful exhibition. Leander Dendocker is the biggest prize in Villa’s squad and could leave if the right offer comes along.
Tim Iroegbunam could replace Dendocker in the starting line-up and gain valuable experience if he does not go out on loan.
