Aston Villa are interested in signing Tammy Abraham of Besiktas(Image: )

Unai Emery has confirmed that Aston Villa are looking to replace Donyell Malen with a more traditional striker profile, amid interest in Tammy Abraham.

Malen has joined AS Roma on loan with an obligation to buy, freeing up space for Villa to strengthen Emery’s attack.

The club were content to offload Malen, understanding his desire for more regular minutes as a number nine - something he was not going to receive under Emery.

Emery now wants to bring in a striker who fits his tactical structure more effectively, with Malen having made just seven league starts during his year at the club.

“I arrived here three-and-a-half years ago and we had Watkins and Ings. Ings left because he had offers and good deals with other clubs. In that moment, it was the same situation as now,” Emery explained.

“He was performing well, he was a striker competing with Watkins, and he decided to leave. We signed Jhon Duran, and in two years he was progressing, adapting, performing, and competing with Watkins and getting numbers for the team.

“Last...