Aston Villa have reportedly made an improved offer for Borussia Dortmund attacker Donyell Malen.
There is currently a host of speculation surrounding the forward's future, with a number of clubs believed to be interested in signing him.
BVB are open to a sale and are thought to value the Netherlands international in the region of €30m (£25.2m).
According to journalist Florian Plettenberg, Villa, having already seen at least one bid rejected, have now placed an offer of €25m (£21m) on the table, with the Premier League club determined to secure his signature.
Malen has made 132 appearances for Dortmund in all competitions, scoring 39 times and registering 20 assists in the process, including six goals and one assist in 25 Champions League appearances.
The 25-year-old has made 21 appearances this term, meanwhile, scoring five goals and registering one assist, but he is available in January, with a permanent exit expected to occur before the end of the month.
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Ipswich 'eyeing shock Matic move'
Meanwhile, according to Sky Deutschland, Ipswich Town are interested in signing former Chelsea and Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic before the end of the January transfer window.
Matic, 36, has made 18 appearances for Lyon during the 2024-25 campaign, but his contract with the French outfit is due to expire at the end of next season, and there is currently a host of speculation surrounding his future.
Ipswich are allegedly weighing up a move for the experienced midfielder, who made 251 appearances in the Premier League during his time at Chelsea and Man United, in addition to 56 outings in the Champions League during his career.
Como, Napoli and Fiorentina are also said to be keeping a close eye on his situation.
Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna is said to be hopeful that his relationship with Matic, having been a coach at Man United while the Serbian was a player, will allow him to convince the midfielder to make the return to English football.
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Dortmund 'interested in Brentford forward Schade'
Elsewhere, Dortmund are reportedly interested in signing Brentford attacker Kevin Schade this month.
The 23-year-old has been a regular for Brentford during the 2024-25 campaign, making 24 appearances in all competitions, scoring six goals and registering three assists in the process.
Schade only made the move to the Bees from Freiburg in 2023, and he has a contract with Thomas Frank's side until June 2028, but there is currently a host of speculation surrounding his future.
According to Sky Deutschland, Dortmund have placed Schade high on their wish-list, potentially as a replacement for Malen, as the Dutchman continues to be linked with Villa.
The report claims that Schade's representatives have been made aware of the interest, but there has not yet been any discussions between the two clubs over a potential move for the Germany international.
Brentford would allegedly require 'a large fee' for the forward, who previously played in the Bundesliga for Freiburg, scoring six times in 36 appearances during his time with the German outfit.
Matt Law
