Six players who could leave Aston Villa this January as transfer window heats up

Aston Villa's priority is to strengthen their first-team squad in the January window, but they are also busy finding new clubs for several players. Some are in need of loan moves, while permanent transfers can't be ruled out for a couple either.

Villa have been active in the market in a bid to sign two players, Donyell Malen and a new right-back. They are continuing talks with Borussia Dortmund over signing Malen, who has agreed terms on a move, while Oscar Mingueza is one of a few targets Monchi is considering to add more competition for Matty Cash.

Villa will have to make space for these arrivals and can only add a maximum of three to their Champions League squad for the knockout rounds.

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Starting with goalkeepers, Joe Gauci is expected to leave on loan in this window and he has a couple of offers. One comes from Belgian Pro League side KVC Westerlo, who already have an Australia international in their squad in Jordan Bos.

Gauci made his debut for Villa in the Carabao Cup game against Wycombe Wanderers back in September, before he also started in the defeat to Crystal Palace in the next round. Robin Olsen was injured for both matches and came on at the start of the second half against Chelsea in December following an injury to Emi Martinez.

Kosta Nedeljkovic is also due to head out on loan with Valencia one of a few clubs interested. The Spanish club, now managed by former West Brom boss Carlos Corberan, have already taken Villa midfielder Enzo Barrenechea on loan this season.

Sil Swinkels is another defender due to head out on loan and League One clubs are said to be interested in his services for the remainder of the campaign. Louie Barry, who returned to Villa earlier this month as League One's top scorer following his second impressive stint with Stockport County, is also expected to leave on loan with a host of Championship clubs queuing up including Millwall and Derby County.

Two possible permanent exits are Diego Carlos and Jaden Philogene. Carlos has interest from Turkish giants Fenerbahce, who are reportedly willing to pay £10m for him, and Villa are said to be interested in a loan move for Milan Skriniar.

Philogene, meanwhile, is the subject of interest from a number of clubs, including in Europe. Everton opened talks earlier this week over potentially signing the winger on a permanent deal just months after he re-signed for Villa from Hull City.

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