On Sunday, Alfredo Pedulla claimed AS Roma were speaking to Aston Villa over an initial loan deal for Donyell Malen. A Tottenham attacker is also on the Italian club’s radar.

Today’s Corriere della Sera reports a ‘deal in principle’ has been agreed to land Malen. The move is at an advanced stage, with the 26-year-old set to join on an initial loan with an option to buy.

Interest in the ex-Borussia Dortmund had emerged suddenly on Sunday and the move is going in the right direction.

Aston Villa are presented as being happy with the terms on offer. The whole thing is eyebrow raising, especially if – as expected in Italy – Roma send Leon Bailey back to Villa Park.

Donyell Malen has actually been useful for Unai Emery this season, whereas Bailey and his camp have been a lot of talk and very little action.

Regardless, Roma are not going to stop there if successful.

Aston Villa and Tottenham players desired

Tottenham’s Mathys Tel has also emerged as an opportunity. Roma sporting director Ricky Massara is speaking to Spurs about a loan move. Gian Piero Gasperini is looking for two attacking signings, and Tel is the next option.

This isn’t the first time the Frenchman is being sought by the Giallorossi. Back in December, Corriere della Sera reported Roma making contact with the attacker’s entourage.

At that time, there were doubts about Tottenham’s stance around an exit, however, things might be changing now. Claims regarding a Tel exit have grown in recent weeks, although it’s unclear how much is a genuine desire to move and how much is an attempt to pressure Thomas Frank into handing out more minutes.

AS Roma are desperately trying to please their demanding manager. Gian Piero Gasperini skipped a press conference last week, with the 67-year-old going into a sulk over a lack of backing.

To avoid a repeat, it’s all action in Rome.