‘Green light from Birmingham’ – Aston Villa to approve transfer within hours, player in personal talks

On Monday, Corriere della Sera reported an agreement between AS Roma and Aston Villa for Donyell Malen.

The two clubs had agreed an initial loan with an option to buy, with the deal progressing very quickly indeed.

At that point, there were no indications about the Dutchman’s stance over this transfer. Things are now slowly becoming clear.

Gazzetta dello Sport report there is the ‘green light from Birmingham’ for the move, with the 26-year-old interested in an exit from Aston Villa.

Malen is unhappy with his game time at Villa Park and wants to play more ahead of the World Cup. He has already spoken to Roma manager Gian Piero Gasperini and this is driving the move forward.

Aston Villa and Roma have good relationship

Roma and Aston Villa have had a good working relationship since Monchi joined the Villans, and even since he left. This has helped the clubs reach a basic understanding, with Unai Emery’s side set to earn a €1.5m loan fee.

Roma have an option to buy Malen permanently for €20-21m, with the move likely to go through soon. Aston Villa are expected to give their final approval within hours.

Dutch outlet VI add more, reiterating the attacker’s World Cup intentions are proving decisive. Ronald Koeman has publicly expressed concerns over the game time that many internationals are receiving and this has impacted Malen’s thinking.

Corriere dello Sport add some more details, claiming that the move can be done in two days. They also float the possibility of Leon Bailey’s involvement in the deal and he could return to Aston Villa, if Malen joins Roma.

The Serie A club are keen to cut short Bailey’s loan. They’ve become frustrated with the player both on and off the pitch.

Swapping Malen for Bailey doesn’t seem like great squad planning, and it’s likely Villa would want to find the latter a new home.