Borussia Dortmund make Donyell Malen decision amid Aston Villa transfer news
Donyell Malen has been omitted from the Borussia Dortmund squad as he edges closer to joining Aston Villa, according to John Townley.
The Birmingham Live reporter posted on X (13 January) to deliver the news that Malen - who is expected to complete a deal worth over £21million - has been left out of the Dortmund side to face Holstein Kiel on Monday (13 January) having been granted permission to secure his exit to Villa Park.
The Dutch international will complete a medical before being formally unveiled as the newest member of Unai Emery's squad.
Townley shared: "Borussia Dortmund confirm Donyell Malen has not been included in their squad to face Holstein Kiel tonight after granting him permission to sign for another club.
"The 25-year-old will soon have a medical with Aston Villa ahead of penning his contract."
Malen out of Dortmund squad as Aston Villa move given green light
It now looks as if the complete agreement is in place for Malen to become an Aston Villa player.
The deal is worth £21million plus a potential add-ons agreement which could itself rise over £4m, while Emery prepares his team to take on David Moyes' Everton on Wednesday (15 January).
Malen's deal would have to be completed very rapidly for him to feature against the Toffees though it cannot be ruled out, especially with him now appearing to already have played his last game for Dortmund.
The forward has played 21 times in all competitions for the Black and Yellows this season, scoring five times, with three of those in the Bundesliga.
Malen's arrival has intensified transfer talk surrounding Jhon Duran, who is wanted by West Ham United (Graeme Bailey, 13 January); Villa could be holding out for a huge premium in the knowledge of how desperate the Hammers are for a striker.
In other Aston Villa news, Monchi jetted out to Madrid over the weekend to run the rule over another potential transfer target.
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