Transfer news and rumours today: Aston Villa's Donyell Malen setback, Ben Godfrey to Ipswich, Matai Akinmboni to Bournemouth

The Dutchman has been linked with a move away from Signal Iduna Park, having settled for six starting opportunities in 13 Bundesliga appearances.

A recent report claimed that Villa are interested to prise Malen away from Dortmund in the current transfer window.

According to journalist Florian Plettenberg, Villa have already seen a €16m (£13.3m) bid plus add-ons rejected by Dortmund.

Villa have allegedly returned to the negotiating table with a fresh bid worth €18m (£14.9m) plus add-ons, which falls below Dortmund's asking price.

In a separate update, Plettenberg claims that Dortmund want at least €30m (£24.9m) to part ways with the Netherlands international.

Ipswich in talks over Godfrey move

Elsewhere, Ipswich Town have reportedly opened talks over a potential move for Atalanta defender Ben Godfrey.

The 26-year-old has failed to force his way into Gian Piero Gasperini's side since he completed a move from Everton in the summer.

Godfrey has had to settle for just five competitive appearances and is yet to feature in any of Gasperini's starting lineups.

The defender was left out of the squad for Thursday's Italian Super Cup semi-final against Inter Milan, and he now appears to be heading towards a January exit to gain regular game time elsewhere.

According to Sky Sports News, the Tractor Boys are currently in talks to bring Godfrey to Portman Road on a loan deal.

The report claims that Ipswich are one of eight clubs to have shown an interest in signing Godfrey in the January transfer window.

Godfrey is said to be favouring a move to the Tractor Boys, having been 'hugely impressed' by Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna.

Bournemouth complete first January signing

Meanwhile, Bournemouth have announced their first addition of the January transfer window, having completed the signing of Matai Akinmboni from DC United.

It was recently reported that the Cherries were on the verge of adding the highly-rated youngster to Andoni Iraola's squad.

The South Coast side have now confirmed that they have signed the 18-year-old from DC United on a long-term contract.

According to BBC Sport, Bournemouth will pay the MLS club for an initial £810,000 fee, which could increase if certain clauses are met.

"It's a great step in my career," Akinmboni told the club's media channels. "It's something I've been dreaming of since I was a little kid, always playing in Europe, especially the Premier League - the best league in the world - so I'm excited.

"I met a couple of them [new team-mates] yesterday. I've been watching the games this season and they're doing fantastic. Hopefully, I can come in, make an impact and help the team."

Amkinmboni, who came through DC United's youth system, has left the MLS side after making 17 appearances for the first team.

Written by

Ben Sully