Manchester United have reportedly caught the eye of a former Aston Villa star, and the club’s asking price could make the deal extra lucrative.
Manchester United are counting on the buttons for a surprise transfer for Donyell Malen. The Dutch striker left Aston Villa for Roma in January, but now he could be on his way back to the Premier League.
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In a few hours, it will be ready for the big game, where Manchester United will welcome their classic neighboring city rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford.
Malen joined Villa from Borussia Dortmund in a deal worth £22.5 million in January 2025. There he scored a total of ten goals in 46 games. The striker’s influence grew during his second season at Villa Park, but the club still allowed him to go to Roma to comply with the financial rules.
Roma can double the money on Malen
Roma signed Malen on an initial loan with an option for a permanent transfer. The Italian club expect to keep the 27-year-old, but there is already talk of a quick return to England.
Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport claims that Malen’s “sensational” form at Roma has led to “big clubs keeping an eye on him”. He has scored a whopping twelve goals in just sixteen games for his new club.
The template has been referred to as “the face of the new project” in Rome, but Premier League clubs are reportedly starting to “get excited” about a possible deal. The Dutchman is said to be on the radar of Manchester United, Chelsea and Newcastle United – Barcelona are also watching.
– Could be sold on for £43 million
Roma will have to pay €25 million (around £21.5 million) to sign Malen permanently. According to the report, however, he could be on his way as early as the summer if a bid of €50 million (£43 million) comes in.
The fact that United are showing interest is all the more interesting because Roma chose Malen over Joshua Zirkzee in January. With Zirkzee reportedly on his way back to Italy in the summer, Malen could take his place at Old Trafford.
Transfer to United would still surprise
Although Malen’s form will have impressed several clubs in Europe, a move to Manchester United would still be surprising. He has just left the Premier League for Serie A and is enjoying life in the Italian capital.
United are also said to be more inclined to open talks about Brentford’s Igor Thiago or Juventus’ Dušan Vlahović. Thiago has scored 22 goals in 35 Premier League games this season, while Vlahović is preparing to leave Juventus on a free transfer in the summer.
Carrick’s future still uncertain
In addition, Manchester United will have to decide whether to keep interim manager Michael Carrick or bring in a new head coach. The job is supposedly “Carrick’s to lose”, but a new target has already been designated.
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