One of Tyrell Malacia’s ideal shirt numbers could become available in time for the defender’s potential arrival at Manchester United.
United are closing in on the signing of the Feyenoord left-back, having held talks with the Eredivisie club. The 22-year-old had been close to making the move to Lyon, but United could be about to hijack the deal.
Feyenoord sporting director Frank Arnesen confirmed a deal is in the works, telling 1908.nl: "The agreement is there. We are now waiting for Tyrell. If he says yes, then a transfer to Manchester United is imminent."
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Malacia could now become United’s first signing of the summer, with a deal of around €15million, plus €2m in add-ons, understood to be agreed between the two clubs. The Netherlands international’s arrival will likely lead to him challenging Luke Shaw for the left-back slot at United next season.
It’s also likely to signal the end of Alex Telles’ United career, with United willing to listen to offers for him for the remainder of the transfer window. Telles’ departure would mean the Brazilian’s squad number 27 would be available for Malacia to take.
But the defender may well be eyeing up a different shirt number. His first choice of number five – which he was handed last season – will likely be unavailable, with club captain Harry Maguire currently United's number five.
However, Malacia’s previous number at Feyenoord looks likely to become available this summer. Before donning the number five, the 22-year-old wore the number 15.
Andreas Pereira is the current holder of that shirt, although the Brazilian will likely be on the move this summer. A permanent move to Flamengo looks to be off following his loan in Brazil last season, but the midfielder has been linked with the likes of Fulham and Crystal Palace.
There is also another option for Malacia. The youngster wore the number 35 in his first season after becoming a professional, and that is currently unoccupied. The defender has also worn 17 during his time with Feyenoord’s academy, although Fred lays claim to that shirt.
One other option could be number three – with Eric Bailly having made his intentions to leave United clear, the shirt often awarded to left-backs looks as though it will become available to either Malacia or Shaw next season.
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