ERIK TEN HAG is close to making Tyrell Malacia his first signing as Manchester United boss and he has liked the defender for some time.
United are reportedly set to hijack Lyon’s move for the Feyenoord star in a £14m deal.
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And Ten Hag knows a lot about the left-back from his time as Ajax manager – when he first set eyes on the youngster.
Footage has emerged from a match between Feyenoord and Ajax when Malacia certainly caught the eye.
Ten Hag is seen saying in Dutch: “That kid at left-back is amazing.”
He also tells his assistant Michael Reiziger to take note of Malacia, possibly with a view to signing him in the future.
While at Ajax Ten Hag was asked whether he wanted to sign the 22-year-old.
He replied: “We do think he is a good player, yes.
“A transfer for Malacia to us is not an issue in the first place. Before we get all speculations again; it does not play at all.
“We can accommodate a departure of [Nicolas] Tagliafico within our current selection. If it is really necessary, we have a shadow list indeed. Whether Malacia is on that list? I’m not going to tell you.”
The Dutchman did not act on his interest in Malacia while in Eredivisie but he is ready to swoop now.
Negotiations between United and Malacia are underway and the defender could be set to agree personal terms despite interest from Lyon.