Manchester United have reportedly emerged as clear favourites to sign Chelsea winger Willian this summer after Barcelona agreed a deal for Malcom.
Barca are understood to have seen a number of big-money bids turned down for Willian already during the current transfer window, the latest of which was worth a reported £65m.
However, the Spanish champions yesterday confirmed that they have agreed a £37m transfer for another Brazilian winger in Malcom, hijacking the deal from Roma at the eleventh hour to bring the Bordeaux man to Camp Nou.
Spanish newspaper Sport claims that Barca moved for Malcom after being put off by Chelsea's £70m valuation of Willian, leaving Manchester United as the most likely destination for the Brazil international.
Willian is open to the idea of leaving Stamford Bridge after becoming frustrated by his lack of game time last season, although new manager Maurizio Sarri has spoken of his desire to keep him at the club.
The 29-year-old - who will turn 30 before the start of the new Premier League season - has scored 44 goals in 236 appearances during his five-year stay at Chelsea.
Barney Corkhill
