Aston Villa’s new starting XI if the transfer rumours are true - including stunning £80m double swoop

Villa made a very strong start to the new season but have since slipped down to ninth in the Premier League with several flaws exposed.

Unai Emery’s men were unbeaten for two months up until mid-October but have since lost their last four outings, two of which have been in the league. The squad has been stretched to its limits - especially at right-back and in midfield - with several players suffering injuries at this early stage.

The November international break has arrived at just the right time for the likes of Ross Barkley, Jacob Ramsey and Boubacar Kamara to recover from their respective issues but Emery will no doubt have one eye on the January window.

Villa’s pockets certainly won’t be unlimited as they only recently escaped the jaws of the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules, but some funds are available to invest if required. As a result, it’s quite likely the Villans will dip their toes into the market - or at least try to.

With the next transfer window now less than two months away, transfer speculation is ramping up once again. The list of players linked with Villa is in turn growing so that’s made us here at BirminghamWorld wonder, how could Emery’s starting XI look if the rumours are true?

Aston Villa’s potential new XI after January transfers

Emiliano Martinez: The one position Villa will never need to improve in is goalkeeper as Martinez has established himself as one of the world’s greatest.

Michael Kayode: Villa need a new right-back, simply put, with Matty Cash currently the only purpose-fit senior option. Fiorentina’s sporting director Daniele Prade confirmed in September that Villa made a summer bid for Kayode, who is valued at around £30 million.

Ezri Konsa: More comfortable at centre-back than at full-back, Konsa would benefit from Villa signing a new right-sided defender. As a full England international, it’d be difficult to imagine Villa without Konsa.

Pau Torres: Although a little inconsistent so far this season, Pau is without doubt of Champions League quality and doesn’t need replacing for a long while. His confidence passing out from the back seems to have taken a bit of a hit, but that’s bound to return.

Lucas Digne: Villa have two internationals at left-back in Digne and Ian Maatsen, so there’s no need to venture into the market in this role. Digne has maintained his first-choice status despite £37.5 million being invested in Maatsen.

John McGinn: The skipper is probably one of those likeliest to leave Villa’s XI based on form this season but he stays in for now with funds being prioritised in other areas. Leon Bailey and Jaden Philogene, meanwhile, haven’t impressed enough.

Youri Tielemans: Now established as one of Villa’s most important players, Tielemans isn’t going anywhere. The Belgian could perhaps move into a slightly different role - maybe right midfield - to facilitate Boubacar Kamara’s introduction, but that’s not as likely.

Amadou Onana: The summer signing is still adapting to Emery’s strict system but he’s getting there and should eventually get up to full speed. Kamara could rotate in and out but it’s Onana’s place to lose; Villa wouldn’t invest £50 million into a player they’re not fully committed to.

Alex Baena: A player Emery worked with at Villarreal, Baena has been heavily linked with Villa for well over a year. The speculation has been strengthening over recent months, with £50 million reportedly enough to secure his services. Benching Jacob Ramsey would be harsh, but Baena is starting XI quality.

Morgan Rogers: Recently called up to the senior England squad for the first time, Rogers has adapted to the Premier League and Champions League incredibly quickly. Emery is delighted to be working with such a promising talent.

Ollie Watkins: Still at the top of the attacking pecking order despite the emergence of Jhon Duran, Watkins remains one of the Premier League’s best. He’s been a little hot and cold this term but that’s aligned with a few fitness hiccups.