Aston Villa are in negotiations with Borussia Dortmund over a move for Donyell Malen in this January transfer window. Forward Malen, a Dutch international, has been identified by Villa's hierarchy as a target to try and recruit this month as they look to top up Unai Emery's ammunition ahead of a defining second half of the season at home and in Europe.

Villa have struggled to find consistent form in the last couple of months and adding another attacking option to Emery's squad - which was addressed within the PSR limits in the summer - has been towards the top of Monchi's and Damian Vidagany's to do list this month. It would appear that, two days into the window, they're not wasting time either.

While there have been doubts over the futures of Jaden Philogene and Emiliano Buendia - the former who only returned in the summer and the latter who has struggled for regular minutes this season after a year-long lay-off - Malen would appear to tick a lot of boxes for Villa by way of a profile.

READ MORE: Man City consider shock transfer for former Aston Villa player only months after move

READ MORE: Fresh Aston Villa transfer link emerges with 15-goal winger at NSWE's partner club

Turning 26 later this month, Malen - who has scored nine goals and earned 41 caps for the Oranje - spent time at Ajax and Arsenal in his youth career before joining PSV Eindhoven in 2017. After excelling in the Eredivisie, he joined Bundesliga giants Dortmund in 2021 and he has scored an eye-catching 39 goals in 131 appearances as part of their forward line.

The idea of moving to England isn't of course a new prospect to Malen who, as mentioned, has been here previously with Arsenal for a couple of years; the winger was a regular contributor to the Gunners' youth teams during his two seasons in London before being sold to PSV in 2017 - that was after joining Arsene Wenger's first-team in Australia in pre-season.

Reflecting on his time at Arsenal, he has previously said that he would love another crack at the Premier League as a fully-fledged, senior footballer having sampled life on the fringes of the Gunners' squad previously: "I think, because I played in England as a youth, it is a dream to play in the Premier League. I think that is a beautiful dream."

It's a dream Villa can help to make come true if they are successful in their negotiations with Dortmund for his services this month.

What do you make of the prospect of Malen signing? Have your say HERE