Manchester United are reportedly closing in on the signature of Feyenoord defender Tyrell Malacia.
Lyon were thought to be on the verge of signing the Netherlands international before Man United swooped in to agree a deal with Feyenoord for the left-back.
"The agreement is there. We are now waiting for Tyrell. If he says yes, then a transfer to Manchester United is imminent," the Dutch club's director Frank Arnesen told 1908.nl.
Feyenoord will allegedly receive €15m (£12.9m) plus €2m (£1.7m) in add-ons from the Red Devils if the deal goes through, with Man United currently in 'direct contact' with the defender's agents.
With that in mind, Sports Mole has taken a closer look at Malacia, who is seemingly on his way to the 20-time English champions for what looks to be a cut-price deal.
© Reuters
Malacia has spent his entire youth career and first-team career at Feyenoord, joining the Dutch outfit's academy at the age of nine in 2008.
The defender ultimately signed his first professional contract with the Stadium Club in 2015, before making his professional debut against Napoli in the Champions League in December 2017.
During the same month, he made his Eredivisie debut against Heerenveen, and he has been a vital player for the Dutch giants over the last couple of seasons.
Malacia featured on 50 occasions in all competitions during the 2021-22 campaign, contributing one goal and five assists in the process.
The left-back managed one goal and four assists in 32 league outings last term, while he featured on 11 occasions in the Conference League, as Feyenoord reached the final before losing to Roma.
© Reuters
New Man United boss Erik ten Hag will have been able to watch Malacia closely over the last couple of seasons, and it is believed that he identified the Dutchman as a target during early transfer talks.
The full-back represented Netherlands at Under-16, Under-17, Under-18, Under-20 and Under-21 level before making his senior debut for the national team in September 2021.
Malacia has since gone on to make five appearances for the Netherlands, including featuring against Wales on two occasions in the UEFA Nations League earlier this month.
The defender is in a strong position to make the squad for the 2022 World Cup, and his ability to also feature as a wing-back makes him an attractive proposition for Man United.
© Reuters
Malacia's expected arrival at Old Trafford could lead to Alex Telles leaving the club, as Ten Hag is unlikely to want three first-team left-backs next season.
Brandon Williams is also being linked with an exit, with Luke Shaw thought to be in pole position to start the campaign at left-back, but Malacia will also believe that he is capable of securing a key role.
Malacia. who has scored four times and registered 10 assists in 136 appearances for his current side, has won the KNVB Cup and Johan Cruyff Shield during his time at Feyenoord, while he was also a runner-up in the Conference League last season.
The Dutchman will be an unknown quantity in the Premier League, but he was impressive in Europe during the 2021-22 campaign and will be given time to flourish at Old Trafford, as he will not arrive with the immediate pressure brought from a big-money transfer fee.
Matt Law
