Donyell Malen transfer update as Borussia Dortmund respond to improved Aston Villa bid

Aston Villa have again been rebuffed by Borussia Dortmund in their latest bid for Donyell Malen, but an agreement is closer to being found for the striker.

Sky Germany report Villa made an improved offer for the Dutch international of around £21m was turned down. Dortmund are sticking to their valuation of £25m despite Malen entering the final 12 months of his deal this summer.

The striker was included in Dortmund's matchday squad to face Bayer Leverkusen on Friday night and he came off the bench in the 79th minute, replacing Jamie Gittens.

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Malen can play across the front line, but has operated mostly on the right wing at Dortmund. He would give Villa extra pace plus depth and quality for Unai Emery in attacking positions.

He joined Dortmund in the summer of 2021 from PSV, where he bagged 55 goals in 116 appearances. Malen also has plenty of experience playing in European football, making 31 appearances in the Champions League and 14 in the Europa League.

The 25-year-old featured in eight matches in Dortmund’s run to the 2024 Champions League final, where he came on in the second half of the 2-0 defeat to Real Madrid.

Malen is Villa's first choice target to replace Jaden Philogene, who is poised to complete his permanent transfer to Ipswich Town. The move is worth £20m plus add-ons.

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