Eric Dier is targeted for surprise return to the Premier League with Tottenham’s rivals – as Aston Villa could axe £21m star they only signed a year ago: TRANSFER WINDOW WATCH

The transfer window is open and here’s today’s latest from Daily Mail Sport’s Simon Jones...

Is Malen on the move?

Aston Villa winger Donyell Malen is wanted on loan by Roma with an option to buy for £21 million.

Villa bought 26-year-old Malen from Borussia Dortmund for a similar amount last year.

Roma loaned Leon Bailey from Villa but were discussing the possibility of cutting the deal short. The clubs are also expected to discuss striker Tammy Abraham, who is targeted by Villa but is on loan at Beşiktaş and has an option to buy.

Meanwhile, Eric Dier is the subject of surprise interest from West Ham this winter

Other magic of the Faes

Monaco are close to signing Leicester City defender Wout Faes on loan with an option to buy.

The Belgium international has been left out in recent weeks as the Foxes search for a buyer.

Monaco made their move following West Ham’s surprise interest in former Spurs defender Eric Dier.

Cherries talk about Toth

Bournemouth inquired about Ferencvaros midfielder Alex Toth. The 20-year-old Hungarian football player is also wanted by Lazio.

RB Leipzig steal march against Premier League giants

RB Leipzig are finalizing a £4.5m deal for winger Suleiman Sani from Trencin as they prepare to make offers for Yan Diomande.

Manchester City, Brentford and Spurs showed varying interest in 19-year-old Sani, a Nigerian U20 national team player.

Like Diomande, he is predominantly a left winger and his signing is a nod to Leipzig preparing for the future.

While Diomande has spoken of his desire to play for Liverpool one day, Bayern Munich, Tottenham and Manchester United are also fans. Leipzig insist they will not leave this month unless there is a significant fee in the region of £70 million, but they know this will not necessarily deter English suitors should they become more desperate to add attacking talent.

RB Leipzig are preparing to make offers for Yan Diomande (pictured) and also sign Süleyman Sani (not pictured)

Forest wants Tavernier

Nottingham Forest have launched an investigation for Bournemouth winger Marcus Tavernier.

Bournemouth insist he is not for sale.

Tavernier, 26, scored in Saturday’s FA Cup defeat against Newcastle and will be important for Andoni Iraola over the next few weeks.

The Cherries are already going through the pain of trying to replace Antoine Semenyo and keep Justin Kluivert out for four months following knee surgery.

Enes Ünal, Ben Gannon-Doak, Tyler Adams, Ryan Christie and William Dennis also have nursing injuries.

Interesting Ajer.

Brentford is preparing to make an offer from Wolfsburg for defender Kristoffer Ajer.

The Bundesliga team, which lost 8-1 to Bayern Munich at the weekend, wants to fix its weak defense.

Brentford are preparing an offer from Wolfsburg for defender Kristoffer Ajer

Championship Birmingham City are in talks to sign Jhon Salis on first loan from Girona

Middlesbrough target Munroe

Aston Villa are in talks to sell left-back Finley Munroe to Middlesbrough.

The 20-year-old was recalled from his loan spell at Swindon Town following interest from Boro and Championship rivals Bristol City.

Both clubs offered around £350,000 but Boro are also offering a sell-on clause and the deal is on track.

Munroe joined Villa after leaving Chelsea’s academy in 2021 and impressed under Ian Holloway in League Two.

He made his debut for Villa as a late substitute in the Europa Conference League semi-final defeat against Olympiakos, before facing Crystal Palace in May 2024.

Salis to St Andrew’s

Birmingham City are in talks to sign Jhon Salis on an initial loan deal from Girona, with an option to buy the 21-year-old Colombian midfielder for £6.8 million if he plays a certain number of matches.

Wigan want Ward

Wigan Athletic, who beat Preston North End in the FA Cup third round, preferred Accrington Stanley defender Benn Ward.