Manchester United are set to confirm the signing of Lecce wing back Patrick Dorgu but one player’s exit has hit a major problem.
Manchester United have now announced a first January signing with the deadline fast approaching.
Ayden Heaven has joined United from Arsenal, swapping his boyhood club for a chance at Old Trafford.
The teenage defender will hope for a path to first-team football as United continue to add top young talents.
Another one is set to arrive with Lecce wing back Patrick Dorgu poised to complete his move to United.
Samuel Luckhurst of The Manchester Evening News claims that Dorgu has completed his medical and signed his contract with United – and could even be in attendance against Crystal Palace today.
- READ: Confirmed Manchester United transfer deals for January 2025, ins, outs, loan moves, deadline date
Tyrell Malacia transfer latest
Dorgu’s arrival means Ruben Amorim will now have a natural left wing back to compete with Diogo Dalot.
This ultimately means that Tyrell Malacia is the odd man out for United and the Dutchman is now available ahead of Monday’s transfer deadline.
Reports on Friday suggested that Benfica had started talks to sign Malacia as competition for former United talent Alvaro Fernandez.
The Daily Mail claim that Malacia actually said goodbye to United teammates on Saturday ahead of completing his move to Portugal.
However, the deal has now collapsed and Malacia is now heading towards deadline day with no deal in place.
Fabrizio Romano claims that Malacia’s move has ‘definitely collapsed’ because there has been no agreement on a loan fee or a purchase option.
It’s also worth pointing out that Record in Portugal claim that Benfica had doubts over the left back’s injury record.
Benfica may well have failed to meet United’s demands on account of his poor injury history and a late move to the Estadio da Luz is now off.
Malacia still has interest elsewhere
Romano adds that United could still move Malacia elsewhere and he is not short of interest.
The Daily Mail’s report suggests that Celtic are interested in taking Malacia to Scotland.
Arsenal’s Kieran Tierney is returning to Celtic but only at the end of the season, meaning the Bhoys are seeking another left back on loan until Tierney arrives.
Malacia may well be that man but United’s talks with Benfica suggest that a purchase option is preferred.
That is unlikely to come from Celtic but Real Betis are keen on Malacia and may represent the most likely exit route for the ex-Feyenoord star.
Dorgu’s arrival clearly leaves Malacia with no future at United and a departure before Monday’s deadline is best for all at this point.
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