Aston Villa ‘totally open’ – Talks launched for surprise exit

Last summer, Aston Villa let Leon Bailey join AS Roma on loan with an option to buy. The Serie A side are unlikely to active it as the winger has struggled with injuries and poor form.

Three days ago, we covered claims from Italy that the 28-year-old Jamaican will return to Aston Villa. There’s been concerns about his lifestyle away from the pitch, and the hype attached to Bailey as he arrived probably hasn’t helped the subsequent disappointment.

When injured, the player’s agent then talked up a huge impact on his return, only for the attacker to immediately get injured again. It’s been something of a comedy of errors.

The Giallorossi are working on improving their attack in the winter market and are looking at Aston Villa again.

That’s according to Gianluca Di Marzio, who reports the Italian club have identified Donyell Malen as a target.

He claims discussions are ongoing with Unai Emery’s side to sign the forward on loan with an option to buy. Di Marzio further adds Roma are also in talks with the 26-year-old for his approval.

Another Italian journalist, Alfredo Pedullà, also covers Roma’s pursuit of the Netherlands international. He says the Aston Villa player fits what Roma manager Gian Piero Gasperini is looking for.

Aston Villa ‘totally open’ to deal – Surprise stance

According to Pedullà, Aston Villa are ‘totally open’ to letting Malen leave in January, on loan with a purchase option. He adds the attacker would also be open to a new experience, although whether he’s willing to join Roma isn’t specified.

Pedullà states: ‘Work will now continue to progress to reach a definitive agreement: we must be cautious until the end, but we’re in the middle of negotiations so we can reach a final conclusion soon.’

Emery has mainly used the Dutchman as a substitute in the Premier League, limiting him to five league starts. He’s managed seven goals and two assists from 29 matches, so is certainly useful.

Taking Leon Bailey back and sending Donyell Malen the other way doesn’t look like a great idea for Aston Villa.