Aston Villa are in a desperate way at the moment, as the club face the very real prospect of relegation. Despite sacking Tim Sherwood, which is always a good move, new boss Remi Garde hasn’t exactly pulled up any trees.
A hard fought draw with Manchester City appears to be somewhat of a false dawn at Villa Park, as losses to Everton and Watford soon followed. Still, anything is possible in this crazy Premier League and the recent draw with Southampton is at least encouraging.
A huge turnover of players in the summer does not look to have done much good in the Midlands, as the team look lost and unable to string too many passes together.
Defensive lapses have cost the club all season even though they signed two former England internationals in Micah Richards and Joleon Lescott in the summer.
However, Garde has a track record of winning games during his time in France with Lyon. Can he turn it around?
With that in mind, here are THREE potential ins, and THREE potential outs this January at Villa Park…
IN: ASHLEY COLE
The England legend has had a torrid time of it in the Italian capital since moving there from Chelsea in 2014. He can’t buy a game in Serie A and has been let out of the Champions League squad.
With Jordan Amavi out injured, the 34-year old has been mooted as a short term option to help steady the ship at Villa Park. Despite his ageing years, the ex-Arsenal and Chelsea man has a truck load of experience and would be a solid option to see them through to the end of the season.
It would be wonderful to see Cole back in the Premier League for a swansong and a short-term deal at Aston Villa would be beneficial to all parties. There are few players of his class available these days despite his age.
IN: JOEL CAMPBELL
Yes, Joel Campbell appears to be getting somewhat of an extended run in the Arsenal team at this present moment, though it’s presumably down to the mounting injury crisis rather than much else.
The Costa Rican has never truly convinced he is of the required standard to command a starting berth, and Villa have been linked with a loan move for him in January.
Garde would be lucky to grab a player as good as the 23-year old amid his relegation battle. Should he make a temporary switch, Costa Rica’s World Cup star could show what he can do when he is one of the most important players in the side.
IN: LOIC REMY
Judging by the quality of the aforementioned players, it’s hard to believe the club are in a relegation battle! Chelsea forward Loic Remy is another to be linked with a loan move to Villa Park next month.
The Frenchman has failed to convince at Chelsea as the Blues continue to be linked with a raft of big name strikers. Would be the first choice centre-forwards in the Midlands should he link up on loan and has previously battled relegation with QPR.
Despite the struggles at Stamford Bridge, Remy has appeared just six times and would surely relish the chance to force his way into the France squad for Euro 2016.
OUT: LIBOR KOZAK
Due to the lack of goals at the club, it seems they are in no position to rid of attacking options currently at the club. However, Czech international Libor Kozak has not convinced three managers he is worthy of a regular starting role since arriving in 2013.
The 26-year old has been touted as a potential target with for Celtic in recent times, with Bhoys manager Ronny Deila reportedly keen on bringing him north of the border.
No huge loss for Garde and could help create space for the arrival of another forward to drag them from relegation.
OUT: PHILIPPE SENDEROS
Swiss international Philippe Senderos finally looks set to leave the club next month to prepare for Euro 2016. The former Arsenal and Fulham centre-back is not in Garde’s plans at all, becoming a much marginalised figure there after arriving from Valencia last summer.
Even under Tim Sherwood, the 30-year old couldn’t get a look in. Reports suggest he is eyeing a return to his homeland in order to stake a claim for the Swiss squad that makes next summer’s European Championships.
His departure is unlikely to have a huge effect on anyone at the club.
OUT: JACK GREALISH
It might seem an odd choice, to sell a promising young home grown player, but Garde should rid of Jack Grealish. The 20-year old has already had his fair share of controversies off the field despite his young years and while he clearly is a talent, hasn’t been making too much in the way of goals and assists.
Granted, he’s young and bound to improve. However the club are seeing the worst of him right now and it is the exact opposite of what they need. Likely to command big money due to his age and the fact he has decided to play for England, the club should test the waters over his potential sale to try and fund a few more reliable players.