Aston Villa next target named after Donyell Malen transfer

Aston Villa are still keen to sign Celta Vigo defender Oscar Mingueza this month, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The transfer expert posted on X (13 January) to reveal Mingueza remains on Villa's radar, even despite a deal for Donyell Malen edging closer which will cost £21million plus possibly more in add-ons (Florian Plettenberg, 13 January).

Malen will become the Villans' first winter signing from Borussia Dortmund, though Celta will play hardball over centre-back Mingueza, demanding his £16.7m release clause to dispense with the player.

Romano shared: "Aston Villa remain keen on Oscar Mingueza after Donyell Malen deal, but no formal bid has been sent yet.

"Celta Vigo insist on release clause as only way to let Mingueza leave in January."

Aston Villa still in for Oscar Mingueza, Celta Vigo stand firm

Celta Vigo are affirming their stance on Mingueza as Aston Villa look to entice the versatile defender with Champions League football.

The 25-year-old has 18 months remaining on the original deal he signed when he arrived from Barcelona in 2022, since becoming a regular at Estadio Municipal de Balaidos.

Mingueza is a product of globally renowned La Masia academy in Catalonia, having gone on to make 66 senior appearances for Barcelona and won the Copa del Rey in 2020-21, also earning two full Spain caps.

Capable at both centre-half and right-back, the Spaniard could provide ample competition as well as filling the void left if Diego Carlos leaves Villa Park this month.

Whether the Villans are up for spending in excess of £16m on a defender from La Liga after the Malen deal is done remains to be seen.

In other Aston Villa news, Jhon Duran is well and truly back on the radar of a Premier League rival.

For more Aston Villa news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.