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 potentially bringing him in over the January transfer window. A £25million package is being discussed with the German outfit as Unai Emery looks to bring in a new winger, which is a priority position this month for the Champions League outfit, reports the Telegraph.
Malen has fallen down the pecking order in the Bundesliga and Dortmund are open to his sale. The 25-year-old, once of PSV, previously had two years in Arsenal's academy, but his period at the club never crossed with Emery. Last term, Malen scored 15 times for the German outfit.
Villa remain in contention for the European places but have not soared off at the pace they did last term. Jhon Duran has emerged as their main goal threat with Ollie Watkins having to accept time on the bench. Malen could yet add more firepower to their attack.
The Dortmund man was previously coach by Thierry Henry when the Arsenal icon was watching over the club's academy. Malen was among those tipped to go furthest, alongside the likes of Reiss Nelson, with Bukayo Saka not seen on the same level.
Henry once told BBC Sport: "At the time I was in the academy [coaching] people were talking 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 mad respect for Buakyo and I have a soft spot for him and my favourite player."
Villa are considering other additions alongside Malen but see the future of Kamara as another top priority to address. The Frenchman has proved crucial since his return from a knee injury and Villa want to hold contract talks in the near future, despite him having more than two years on his deal.
Villa have received a number of offers for winger Jaden Philogene but have made it clear that 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 look to loan out striker Louie Barry over the coming weeks after recalling him from Stockport County, where he excelled. Barry has interest from a number of Championship clubs are ready to sanction a temporary exit.