The January transfer window is officially open, sparking a flurry of activity and speculation across English and European football. Clubs are moving swiftly to strengthen their squads, with a series of potential loan deals and permanent transfers taking shape.
Serie A Interest in Premier League Talent
Aston Villa winger Donyell Malen has emerged as a target for Italian giants AS Roma. The proposed deal would see the 26-year-old Dutch international move to Serie A on loan, with an option for Roma to make the transfer permanent for a fee of £21 million. Villa only signed Malen from Borussia Dortmund for a similar figure last year.
This potential move is part of a complex negotiation between the two clubs. Roma currently have Villa's Leon Bailey on loan, and discussions have been held about the possibility of cutting that arrangement short. Furthermore, Villa's interest in striker Tammy Abraham is also on the agenda. Abraham is currently on loan at Besiktas from Roma, and the Turkish side hold an option to buy.
Defensive Shuffles Across the Channel
In other defensive news, Monaco have made a formal approach to sign Leicester City defender Wout Faes. The proposal is for an initial loan deal with an option to buy for the Belgian international, who has found himself out of the Foxes' side in recent weeks as they listen to offers.
This development comes amid reported surprise interest from West Ham United in former Tottenham defender Eric Dier. The England international, now at Bayern Munich, is a player David Moyes's side are considering as they look to bolster their defensive options this winter.
Midfield Moves and Championship Business
The transfer activity extends beyond the top flight. Brentford are preparing for an offer from Bundesliga side Wolfsburg for defender Kristoffer Ajer. Wolfsburg are seeking defensive reinforcements after a heavy 8-1 defeat to Bayern Munich.
In the Championship, Birmingham City are in advanced talks to sign Colombian midfielder Jhon Salis from Girona. The deal would be an initial loan with an option to buy for £6.8 million, contingent on the 21-year-old playing a set number of games.
Elsewhere, Bournemouth have enquired about Ferencvaros and Hungary midfielder Alex Toth, who is also wanted by Lazio. Meanwhile, Wigan Athletic, fresh from their FA Cup victory over Preston, have made a move for Accrington Stanley defender Benn Ward.
The coming weeks promise further negotiations and completed deals as clubs race to secure their targets before the window slams shut.
