As per Voetbal International’s Joost Blaauwhof, Elche are close to signing Tyrell Malacia (25) from Manchester United on loan.
While VI previously reported that Lille had spoken to Manchester United about Malacia, the French club didn’t follow through at the time. AS Roma were unsuccessful with their attempt to strike a double deal, aiming to scoop up the much-maligned Jadon Sancho from Old Trafford in addition to Malacia.
Meanwhile, Besiktas and FC Porto reportedly also made attempts, while an offer from Saudi Arabia was put on hold.
Malacia spoke with Elche on Monday evening, while Lille also held talks with the player. However, the French club did so without manager Bruno Génésio present. Elche have looked to win Malacia over with the promise of plenty of playing time. Malacia is eager to regain his footing in a top-five league.
Incidentally, there’s a good chance Sancho will also leave Old Trafford. The left winger is once again an option for AS Roma after Borussia Dortmund pulled the plug on a return. The Italian club appear to be one of the Englishman’s last chances to leave Manchester United, which is why Sancho is reconsidering that option. This time, however, he will have to leave without Malacia, with whom he maintained his fitness for weeks on a side pitch at Carrington.
