Aston Villa have yet to make their first signing of the winter transfer window this January, but the club appears to be closing in on its first arrival.

Their only two bits of business to date are the loan recalls of Lewis Dobbin and Louie Barry from West Bromwich Albion and Stockport County, respectively. The former is now at Norwich City until the end of this season, and the latter looks likely to join him in the Championship.

Jaden Philogene could be on the move this month after barely playing as of late, with Unai Emery wanting to sign an alternative. Here is a round-up of the latest Villa transfer news and reports.

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Malen green light

Talks are taking place with Borussia Dortmund to make Malen the first arrival at Villa this month. The forward has already agreed personal terms and is now awaiting a breakthrough in negotiations between the player's parent club and his potential new employers.

Villa opened the bidding at £15million, but Dortmund reputedly want closer to £25million, which is around what they paid PSV Eindhoven for the Netherlands international three-and-a-half years ago. However, reports in Germany suggest there is confidence from all parties involved that a deal will materialise, regardless of whether Marcus Rashford replaces Malen on loan from Manchester United before the window closes.

Douglas Luiz 'homecoming'

Juventus are seemingly ready to cut their losses on Douglas Luiz already, and Villa are said to be interested in bringing the midfielder back to Bodymoor Heath. Premier League clubs are reputedly keen on the Brazil international, including Arsenal, Fulham, Manchester City, United and Tottenham Hotspur as well as Nottingham Forest.

Reports in Italy claim the Turin club are considering cashing in on Douglas Luiz, describing doing so as a necessary 'sacrifice' for their benefit. They paid £43million for the player six months ago, but it is as yet unclear what Villa would have to pay if they were to bring him back.

Louie Barry latest

Barry has been back at Villa for a week as the club decides where the player's future lies after spending another six months at Stockport County on top of the whole of last season. Much like Douglas , around half a dozen clubs reputedly want the youngster: Derby County, Hull City, Leeds United, Millwall, Sheffield United and Sunderland.

The south-east London club are the latest team reportedly keen on winning the race to take Barry on loan; however, Hull are hopeful their handling of Philogene will work in their favour. It appears Villa are edging closer to deciding Barry's future.