Aston Villa are eyeing a January deal for Donyell Malen, who was once tipped to be better than Bukayo Saka.
Villa have held talks about the possibility of signing him during the January transfer window. A £25million package is being discussed with the German team as Unai Emery looks to bring in a new winger, which is a priority position for the Champions League team this month, the Telegraph reports.
Malen has fallen down the pecking order in the Bundesliga and Dortmund are open to his sale. The 25-year-old, once a PSV player, had previously spent two years in Arsenal's youth academy but his spell at the club never crossed paths with Emery. Last season, Malen scored fifteen times for the German team.
Villa remains in the battle for European places, but has not evolved as quickly as last season. Jhon Duran has emerged as their main goal threat, with Ollie Watkins having to accept time on the bench. Malen could add even more firepower to their offense.
The Dortmund man previously coached Thierry Henry when the Arsenal icon watched over the club's youth academy. Malen was among those tipped to go furthest, alongside the likes of Reiss Nelson, with Bukayo Saka not seen at the same level.
Henry once told BBC Sport: “I was at the academy at the time [coaching] people talked a lot about Chris Willock, Reiss Nelson, Donyell Malen and Bukayo was just… yeah, he's good, but it wasn't the talk of the academy. That's why I have a lot of respect for Buakyo and a soft spot for him and my favorite player.”
Villa are considering other additions besides Malen, but see Kamara's future as another top priority. The Frenchman has proved crucial since returning from a knee injury and Villa are keen to hold contract talks in the near future despite having more than two years left on his contract.
Villa have received a number of offers for winger Jaden Philogene but have made it clear he is not for sale. Philogene is expected to leave this month but Villa will only welcome loan offers for the 22-year-old, who previously had an impressive season in the Championship at Hull City.
They will also loan out striker Louie Barry in the coming weeks after recalling him from Stockport County where he excelled. Barry has interest from a number of Championship clubs who are willing to agree to a temporary exit.
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