Aston Villa targeting January swoop for Donyell Malen | OneFootball

Aston Villa are eyeing a move for Borussia Dortmund’s Donyell Malen in the January transfer window, according to the Daily Mail.

Capable of operating as a central striker or on the wings, the addition of Malen would provide Villa with greater depth in attack, easing the workload on their current forwards as they navigate a busy schedule.

The Dutch international has scored just five goals in 20 appearances across all competitions this term, although half of his outings have come as a substitute.

With less than two years left on his current deal, Malen’s future at Signal Iduna Park is hanging in the balance, but it is unclear if Dortmund will be open to sanctioning a sale mid-season.

Malen has previously revealed his desire to play in the Premier League, having been in the Arsenal youth setup from 2015 until 2017, after which he joined PSV Eindhoven.

“I think, because I played in England as a youth, it is a dream to play in the Premier League,” Malen told Voetbalzone.

Villa are reportedly targeting Malen as one of three possible January additions as Unai Emery looks to bolster his squad to cope with the added demands of European football.

Sitting fourth in the league phase of the revamped Champions League, Villa are on course to make it through to the knockout phase ahead of their final two group-stage clashes against Monaco and Celtic.

However, the Villans have endured an underwhelming domestic campaign to date as they sit ninth in the Premier League table and have been knocked out of the League Cup.

Off the back of a 3-0 thrashing against Newcastle United last time out, Villa will be keen to close out 2024 with a victory when they play host to Brighton & Hove Albion later today.