According to Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United have hijacked Lyon’s deal to sign Newcastle target Tyrell Malacia.
What’s the story?
Well, the French side had agreed a £12m deal with Feyenoord for the Netherlands international, but Erik ten Hag has now decided to bring the Dutchman to Old Trafford.
It comes after De Telegraaf revealed that Newcastle are interested in signing Malacia, as Eddie Howe looks to improve his options at left-back.
Manchester United are also closing in on the signing of Frenkie de Jong from Barcelona, a player who Romano claims has the same agent as Malacia.
The 22-year-old made 50 appearances in all competitions last season as Feyenoord reached the UEFA Conference League final, scoring one goal while also providing five assists.
Newcastle were presumably hoping to sign him to provide competition for Matt Targett, although Howe will now have to find another left-back to pursue as Malacia looks set to join Manchester United.
Matt Targett will be pleased if Newcastle lose out to Manchester United
In our view, this news will delight Targett.
It seems Howe is intent on signing competition for the Englishman, as there has also been talk of a move for Bayer Leverkusen left-back Mitchell Bakker – the Magpies are supposedly ready to spend £17m to secure his signature.
For now, however, Targett’s position is safe, and he is set to start the 2022/23 campaign as first-choice under Howe.
In our view, it would be harsh if the Magpies signed another left-back so soon after turning Targett’s loan move into a permanent deal.
The 26-year-old has barely put a foot wrong, and deserves to be the No.1 option at left-back.
Nevertheless, be sure to keep an eye on the situation, as we can’t rule out Newcastle making a late push to rival Manchester United for Malacia.
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