Aston Villa: Is the January transfer window a make or break for Unai Emery’s side?

There are several factors that will affect Emery’s mood.

In an ideal world, he would have wanted to keep Malen, but given the striker’s limited playing time – he played just seven Premier League games after joining from Borussia Dortmund last year – Malen wanted to leave.

He scored on his debut for Roma on Sunday as Villa struggled against Everton, with only Ivan Gissand remaining in the team to support Ollie Watkins up front.

Gissand has been linked with a move away, as a potential solution in a deal to take Roma’s Tammy Abraham off his loan to Besiktas, but he is happy at Villa, who are looking forward to his development.

Another sore point for Emery is the failure of the pursuit of Gallagher after Tottenham snatched the deal, underscoring the financial reality Villa is experiencing.

The England midfielder joined Tottenham for £35 million. Villa wanted a loan-to-buy deal but Tottenham were able to offer the money upfront.

It’s a balancing act that Emery has to get right while Villa are walking a financial tightrope, which has hurt them in more ways than one.

Gallagher would have at least eased the mounting midfield injury crisis, with Emery losing John McGinn on Sunday while already sweating on Boubacar Kamara’s fitness and Amadou Onana already out.

There are also no plans for Leon Bailey to return from his loan to Roma, despite his struggles.

Villa this month signed Gremio winger Alisson and 17-year-old striker Brian Madjo from Metz – both with targets for the future.

Villa are third in the Premier League and are well placed in the Europa League before traveling to Fenerbahce on Thursday, still in the FA Cup.

“Emery has a balance in the bank,” Aston Villa supporters chairman Mo Razzaq said.

“There is no silver bullet where we can go out and buy whoever we want. We have to be very careful and careful.

“Gallagher would have been a valuable addition with his experience. John McGinn’s not getting any younger, but would he have started week in and week out? Probably not. So Spurs came in. We know the constraints we’re working in and moving forward.

“The club is not in a position to get into a bidding war. I don’t think we’re overly concerned.”