Aston Villa have opened talks with Borussia Dortmund over a potential £25 million ($31m) deal for Malen, a Dutch striker who would bring Champions League experience to the club.

Villa are keen to sign a versatile striker this month and have made Malen their number one target, according to The Telegraph. The Dutchman has scored five goals for Dortmund this season but has started just three of their last 10 games and could be given more game time at Villa Park. Talks of a £25 million move have taken place, but the Midlands club are understood to have more than one target should they be priced out of the deal.

Villa have relied on Ollie Watkins and Jhon Duran for goals this season, following the summer sale of Moussa Diaby and a drop in form for Leon Bailey. With Emery looking to juggle European qualification with the ongoing Champions League and FA Cup campaigns, it makes sense to target a striker who can play anywhere up front and take the pressure off that duo.

Malen has already had a taste of English football, having been a member of Arsenal's academy between 2015 and 2017. The 25-year-old impressed in the Gunners' youth squads in domestic and European competitions, eventually earning a place on the first-team's pre-season tour of Australia and China in 2017. However, that proved to be his last appearance in an Arsenal shirt, as a move to PSV was agreed in August 2017.

Malen is currently in the Bundesliga's winter break and Villa are unlikely to rush into a deal, as he would be unavailable for their two remaining Champions League games this month.

However, any move could have a knock-on effect at the club, with Sky Sports reporting that Ipswich are keen to revive their summer interest in winger Jaden Philogene. The 22-year-old could be set for a move to the Tractor Boys if Malen or an alternative arrives.