Aston Villa have reportedly made a fresh approach in their effort to sign Borussia Dortmund attacker Donyell Malen.
Unai Emery's side have enjoyed a positive start to 2025, backing up a win over Leicester City in the Premier League by coming from behind to defeat West Ham United in the FA Cup third round on Friday night.
However, Villa have not always been free-scoring in the final third this campaign, currently possessing just the joint-ninth best attacking record in England's top flight.
Although Emery can be satisfied with the efforts of Ollie Watkins and Jhon Duran, there is an argument that more creators are required for the second half of the campaign.
According to Sky Sport Deutschland journalist Patrick Berger, Villa have stepped up their attempts to sign Malen from Dortmund.
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What is Villa's new bid for Malen?
Earlier this week, it was widely reported that the West Midlands outfit had failed with their initial bid for the Netherlands international.
A fresh offer in the region of €25m (£21m) has allegedly been made in an effort to tempt Dortmund into a sale.
Malen has struggled to hold down a regular spot in the first XI during 2024-25, making nine starts and 10 substitute outings in the Bundesliga and Champions League.
With just five goals and one assist being contributed during those appearances, Villa are seemingly hopeful the German giants will be encouraged to cash in on the 25-year-old.
Nevertheless, as it stands, it is claimed that Dortmund are requesting €30m (£25.17m), aware that Villa are on the brink of generating in the region of £20m for homegrown talent Jaden Philogene who is in line to join Ipswich Town.
Despite the income that is being generated through their Champions League performances, Villa are essentially still needing to wheel and deal to remain compliant with the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules.
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Are Dortmund likely to budge?
Malen has just 18 months remaining on his contract at the Westfalenstadion having contributed 39 goals and 20 assists from his 132 appearances in all competitions.
Dortmund are effectively left with two transfer windows to generate the biggest fee possible, the assumption being that Malen may be ready for a new challenge given the constant interest in his signature.
By the end of the weekend, Dortmund could be sitting as low as 10th position in the Bundesliga table if results go against them, highlighting that Nuri Sahin's side could benefit from some fresh faces arriving over the coming weeks.
Cashing in on Malen would help them achieve that, even if they need to compromise over their demands should Villa not raise their second offer.
Darren Plant
