Latest Aston Villa transfer news as updates arrive on January moves for attackers Donyell Malen and Leon Bailey at AS Roma
12:33, 14 Jan 2026Updated 12:39, 14 Jan 2026
Aston Villa are in the thick of the transfer action this January as Unai Emery attempts to achieve the unthinkable.
Villa sit just six points shy of Premier League leaders Arsenal now beyond the halfway point in the campaign. They are also in a strong position to qualify automatically for the Europa League knockout stages.
Emery's side also kept their FA Cup hopes alive after beating Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 in the third-round on Saturday night. Mid-winter is not only the time to focus on the challenge ahead but also to reassess the squad and sign off on any transfers deemed necessary to make a final push for success. With this in mind, Birmingham Live looks at the latest rumours of incomings and outgoings at Villa Park this January.
Donyell Malen deal advances
According to Fabrizio Romano, Donyell Malen is set to join AS Roma on loan for the remainder of the 2025/26 campaign. He says the attacker, who has seven goals and two assists in 28 appearances this season, has been authorised to fly to Italy with an agreement in place between both clubs and the player's side.
Villa will reportedly earn a £2m loan fee this January, and in a fresh twist Roma are claimed to have agreed to a mandatory £25m purchase at the season's end.
As reported by the Birmingham Live on Tuesday night, Malen is also attracting interest from other clubs, including Atletico Madrid, but Roma’s pursuit is the most advanced at this stage.
Leon Bailey impact
As Birmingham Live reported in the wake of Roma's interest in Malen last week, Villa's wish is for Leon Bailey to continue his loan at the same Serie A club until the season's end.
Reports in Italy suggest Roma want to end the 28-year-old's loan – which included a £19m option to buy – early because of his lack of form. Bailey has made just 10 appearances across all competitions this term.
It leaves the Jamaican international with the prospect of finding a new club this January. To that end, Belgian outlet Voetbal Nieuws claims his name is circulating at Club Brugge, though they feel it is a 'high risk' transfer based on his form of late.
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