Aston Villa facing decision on forward as suitors circle

But they may face late competition from Atletico, who are in the market for attacking players after selling Giacomo Raspadori to Atalanta.

Whether Villa are willing to allow Malen to leave this month is not yet clear.

The 26-year-old, who joined a year ago from Borussia Dortmund for £21million, is one of only three players to have featured in all 29 matches this season. 

But Malen is understood to be frustrated at starting only 10 of those games and with the World Cup looming, the opportunity of more playing time would appeal.

Villa will turn their attention toward recruiting another striker should Malen depart with Tammy Abraham still high on their list.

The 28-year-old, currently on loan at Besiktas from Roma, is thought to have already triggered an appearance-related clause which will see the deal become permanent in the summer, adding another layer of complication to negotiations.

Other targets are being considered by Villa, should a deal not be possible.

One player who won’t be joining is Conor Gallagher, after Tottenham moved late to secure the midfielder’s permanent transfer from Atletico for a fee worth around £35m.

Villa, operating under tight spending restrictions, had been close to agreeing an initial loan deal for the England international but were unwilling to match the financial package put forward by their Premier League rivals.