Aston Villa have struck an agreement and are moving closer to a significant January signing.

Borussia Dortmund winger Donyell Malen has reportedly communicated his desire to join Aston Villa after reaching a full agreement on personal terms.

Unai Emery is inching closer to securing his priority transfer target to add pace, versatility and depth to Villa’s attack. The news broke last Thursday (January 2) that the Villans had seen an initial bid of €18 million (£14.9m) plus add-ons turned down for Malen but talks have been ongoing ever since.

GiveMeSport correspondent Ben Jacobs has reported today (January 6) that Malen has “verbally agreed terms” to join Villa but there’s yet to be a club-to-club agreement. Dortmund are said to be insisting on a package of around €30 million (£24.9m) but the Villans are eager to sign Malen for less.

The 25-year-old attacker has scored 39 goals in 131 games in all competitions for Dortmund, three of which have come this campaign. Malen helped BVB reach the Champions League final last year - and he appeared in that crunch clash off the bench - but they were beaten in the final by Real Madrid at Wembley Stadium.

Depth in wide areas is pivotal for Emery’s plans at Villa, especially as he wants the club to be competitive in an array of competitions. Finishing in the Premier League top four is the priority while advancing far in the Champions League is highly desirable. Villa were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Crystal Palace in the last 16 and their FA Cup campaign gets underway against West Ham United this Friday.

Donyell Malen outlines Arsenal as ‘dream’ transfer

The 41-time Netherlands international, once a member of Arsenal’s academy, has always been keen on a return to England as he told Goal last season: "I think, because I played in England as a youth, it is a dream to play in the Premier League. I think that is a beautiful dream.”

Asked specifically about a return to Arsenal, Malen added: "Yes I would. I wanted Arsenal [as a teenager], my favourite club. I played there in my youth, I really wanted to break through there.”

Although the Gunners are probably in need of a little more firepower to challenge Liverpool for the Premier League title, there’s been no indication that they’ve been looking to re-sign Malen. Instead, the attacker is set to join one of Arsenal’s former managers, Emery, at Villa Park.