Aston Villa have allegedly agreed a fee to sign Borussia Dortmund attacker Donyell Malen.
Although Ollie Watkins and Jhon Duran have been consistent contributors in Unai Emery's attack this season, Villa's creative players have not necessarily produced.
Aside from Morgan Rogers, no such squad member has been able to hold down a place in the squad, leading to the West Midlands outfit to target Malen over the past week.
Over the weekend, it was suggested that there was a considerable gap between what Villa were attempting to pay and what Dortmund were prepared to accept.
However, according to Sky Sports Deutschland journalist Florian Plettenberg, a price has now been determined for a deal to go through.
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What are Villa paying for Malen?
The report claims that an agreement has been reached over a proposal that will be worth €23m (£19.4m) with a further €3m (£2.5m) potentially being activated in add-ons.
Dortmund were allegedly looking to recoup €30m for a player who has proven to be an important member of the squad over the past three-and-a-half years.
Nevertheless, it now appears that the Netherlands international will be departing the Westfalenstadion having contributed 39 goals and 20 assists from his 132 appearances in all competitions.
With just 18 months remaining on his contract and Malen having spent as much time on the substitutes' bench as in the starting lineup during 2024-25, the decision has been taken to generate a substantial fee for his signature.
He is unlikely to be available for Wednesday's Premier League encounter against Everton courtesy of a medical still needing to be undertaken.
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Where will Malen fit in?
Malen's versatility is the biggest plus point to Emery should a transfer be completed with the former Arsenal youngster able to play across the frontline.
That said, it is questionable whether Malen will be used on the flanks if Emery deploys a 4-4-1-1 formation, leaving him to compete with Rogers, Watkins and Duran for the remaining spots.
Theoretically, Malen may have to remain patient in his effort to secure regular game time, even with Villa having another five games to play before the end of the month.
He will essentially be taking the place of Jaden Philogene, who is expected to complete a transfer to Ipswich Town in due course.
Darren Plant
