Managing Aston Villa: Morgan Rogers transfer done and Unai Emery solves issue amid triple exit

Morgan Rogers is a transfer target for Aston Villa

The January transfer window has presented Aston Villa with an intriguing opportunity.

Unai Emery’s side sit fourth in the Premier League table after a remarkable start to the campaign, building on the momentum from last season. Alongside Villa’s hopes of achieving Champions League qualification is the opportunity to win a European trophy, having reached the round of 16 in the Europa Conference League, as well as possibly progressing in the FA Cup.

It could prove to be an unforgettable season as Emery continues to work his magic at Villa Park. While high-profile new signings are not expected in January, the addition of one or two players could be the key difference, when Villa’s season finally comes to an end.

So, with that being said, Birmingham Live has taken a look at what business Villa should do before the January transfer window slams shut.

New faces at Bodymoor Heath

Middlesbrough midfielder Morgan Rogers could prove to be the exact type of player that the Villa squad is currently lacking. The Villans have had their first two offers rejected but are expected to return with an improved bid, while Boro are reportedly open to selling the 21-year-old if their valuation is met.

The former West Brom academy prospect emerged as a target for Villa earlier this week and has contributed six goals and nine assists in 32 games since signing for Michael Carrick’s side in the summer. Rogers is capable of playing in a variety of positions across the frontline and his versatility would be a vital asset for Villa.

A young midfielder signing from the Championship may not seem the most logical move for a side chasing Champions League football. In recent weeks, though, the absence of Emi Buendia’s unpredictability has been keenly felt. The team have struggled to reach their full-flowing best in attack and the addition of Rogers, a rising talent eager to make his mark, could be the spark required to get Villa back fully firing.

The next player who should be on their way to Bodymoor Heath is Kosta Nedeljkovic. It was confirmed, earlier this week, that Villa have agreed a £6.5m deal with Serbian side Crvena Zvezda for the 18-year-old right-back.

While Nedeljkovic is expected to remain in Serbia on loan, his position has proven to be a conundrum for Unai Emery this season. Matty Cash being the only orthodox right-back in the squad – and the use of Ezri Konsa at full-back – has been an ongoing problem.

Looking ahead to the summer, Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpog would be the dream solution to the right-back issue. However, the return of Kaine Kesler-Hayden from his Championship loan spell at Plymouth Argyle will provide a quick fix for this season. “Aston Villa have assured us that he’s going back to fight for his place and we wish him well,” Plymouth boss Ian Foster said when asked about the FA Youth Cup winner.

Despite the many calls from supporters for a new striker, West Ham have reportedly seen an offer rejected for Jhon Duran, which tells its own story about the strength of Villa’s squad. Emery continues to place his trust in the 20-year-old and Duran has often had an impact off the bench, scoring four goals this season. Not much more can be asked of a backup striker, who is still learning his trade.

Elsewhere, reported target Hakon Valdimarsson could bolster the club’s goalkeeping options. The role of back-up to Emi Martinez has been held by Robin Olsen but Valdimarsson could prove to be one for the future. His 14 clean sheets in 29 games for Swedish side IF Elsborg last season saw him voted goalkeeper of the year and Villa are claimed to be battling Copenhagen for his signature.

Time to say goodbye

After more than a year in charge, Unai Emery has truly put his stamp on the Villa squad. The majority of the players may still be inherited from other eras but the manager has transformed them into a squad of top four contenders – though, for some, their time at Villa is coming to an end.

That applies to both Calum Chambers and Bertrand Traore. In Chambers’ case, he would be regarded as sixth-choice centre-back, were Tyrone Mings fit. Meanwhile, the January window is the last chance for Villa to recoup a fee for Traore, whose contract comes to an end in the summer. AFCON could prove to be a helpful shop window, with Traore representing Burkina Faso.

Leander Dendocker would likely command the largest fee of those on the edges of Villa’s squad and should be allowed to leave if a suitable offer does arrive. Tim Iroegbunam would be able to take Dendocker’s place in the first team squad and gain valuable experience if he does not leave on loan.