Como head coach Cesc Fabregas is reportedly keen to bring Manchester United defender Tyrell Malacia to the club, with contact believed to have been made to determine how much the Netherlands international would cost.
Malacia was out for almost 18 months with a severe knee injury, which required two separate operations, before making his return to action against Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League at the end of November.
The 25-year-old has since made a further four appearances, including two in the Premier League, but there are question marks when it comes to his long-term future at Old Trafford.
Man United have agreed a deal to sign Diego Leon from Cerro Porteno, with the 17-year-old regarded as a world-class prospect at left-back, while the Red Devils are also targeting a senior player in that area of the field.
Paris Saint-Germain's Nuno Mendes is said to be Man United's leading target, and a move for the Portugal international would throw Malacia's future at the club into severe doubt.
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Como 'interested in Man United defender Malacia'
According to the Daily Mail, Como have emerged as contenders for Malacia, with the Italian club's head coach Fabregas identifying the Dutchman as a genuine target.
The report claims that the Serie A club have been in touch with Man United to determine how much would be required to sign him, although there are no indications at this moment of time of the asking price.
Malacia cost Man United in the region of £13m when he arrived from Feyenoord in 2022, and the left-back enjoyed an impressive first season at Old Trafford, making 39 appearances in all competitions.
Luke Shaw is currently on the sidelines with another muscular problem, and there are concerns over his long-term fitness, but the England international is expected to stay at Old Trafford, with head coach Ruben Amorim said to be a bid admirer.
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Which other defenders could leave Man United this year?
Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans are both out of contract at the end of the season, and the duo are unlikely to be offered new deals.
Lindelof is currently on the sidelines through injury, and the Sweden international is down the pecking order when it comes to the spots in the middle of the defence.
The experienced defender, who has made nine appearances for the Red Devils this season, will allegedly have offers from Italy, and this is set to be his final campaign at Old Trafford.
Evans, meanwhile, is likely to hang up his boots at the end of the current campaign, but the centre-back could potentially remain at Old Trafford as a coach.
There had been speculation surrounding Harry Maguire's future, but the England international's contract at Old Trafford has now been extended for a further 12 months until the summer of 2026.
Matt Law
