Aston Villa striker Nicklas Helenius returned to Aalborg on a season-long loan on Monday after a disappointing spell with the Premier League club.

Helenius struggled to make an impact at Villa following his £1.2 million ($2.03 million) transfer from the Danish outfit last year, making just six substitute appearances in all competitions.

The 23-year-old Danish international scored once during those games, netting in the 2-1 home FA Cup loss to Sheffield United in January.

"The club can confirm Nicklas Helenius is to return to Aalborg on a season-long loan," a statement on Villa's website confirmed.

Villa boss Paul Lambert is already lining up a replacement, with reports on Wednesday claiming he is in talks to sign Nicklas Bendtner, another Denmark striker, from Arsenal.

Bendtner is available on a free transfer after being released by the Gunners at the end of last season.

The 26-year-old is also attracting interest from Eintracht Frankfurt, but reportedly wants to stay in the Premier League.

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