Unai Emery has confirmed Villa are likely to target a right-back in the January transfer window but warned profit and sustainability rules mean they must again be “intelligent” in the market.

Borussia Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl has warned Aston Villa Donyell Malen remains of "great value" to the Bundesliga club. Villa are locked in talks with Dortmund over signing Malen, whose contract expires in 2026. Despite that, reports in Germany claim that Dortmund are after a fee of £25m this month.

Aston Villa are in talks with Borussia Dortmund over a potential deal to sign Donyell Malen. Villa have made an offer for the forward worth around €18million (£14.9m, $18.6m) plus add-ons, which falls short of Dortmund’s valuation but negotiations continue between the clubs.