OPINION
Aston Villa boss Dean Smith will no doubt be more focused on bringing players in than letting players leave this month, with his squad in serious need of reinforcements if they are to win promotion.
However, there is likely to be a couple of exits from Villa Park in the coming weeks as players seek regular game time and experience of first-team football.
One of those potential outgoings could be young striker Rushian Hepburn-Murphy, who has struggled with injuries and a lack of first-team minutes under Smith.
According to Sun journalist Alan Nixon, the 20-year-old forward is being lined up for a loan move by League One sides Charlton Athletic and Coventry City.
VILLA babe Hepburn-Murphy wanted on loan at both COVENTRY and CHARLTON.
— Alan Nixon (@reluctantnicko) January 6, 2019
Both clubs are in the promotion picture in the third-tier, and would represent exciting opportunities for Hepburn-Murphy to go away and play an extended run of first-team fixtures.
With the current squad in place at Villa Park and his recent injury problems the chances of first-team minutes at his parent club are low right now, so a loan is most definitely advisable for the talented youngster.
There is little point in him remaining at the club in the hope of the occasional appearance off the bench, especially now that their FA Cup campaign is over.
Smith must advise the striker that a loan exit is the best option for him and help the youngster choose the best move for him in the coming weeks.
Hepburn-Murphy is highly-rated at Villa and just needs minutes to reach his potential, with these clubs now offering him and the club the chance for him to do just that.