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What's the story?
Bordeaux winger Malcom is all set to become a Red Devil in the near future, with Manchester United set to wrap up his signature in January, according to a report in the Sunday Times. Jose Mourinho is reportedly desperate to sign a wide player in the winter transfer window as he seeks to keep up with Manchester City. Malcom has made a storming start to the Ligue 1 season with Bordeaux, and with United's other transfer targets unlikely to move in January, the Portuguese tactician might settle for the Brazilian winger with a €29.5 million bid.
Also Read: 7 players Manchester United can sign in January
In case you didn't know...
Malcom joined the youth system of Corinthians at the tender age of 11 in 2008, spending six years in the youth system before being promoted to the senior team in 2014. The 2015 season was his breakout year, as Malcom became one of the most crucial players in the Brazilian side. Bordeaux signed the winger for an undisclosed fee in January 2016, despite interest from other top clubs.
The heart of the matter
Duncan Castles, who is generally reliable when it comes to rumours involving Jose Mourinho, broke the news of the interest in Malcom on Twitter.
Malcom has been brilliant in Ligue 1 so far, scoring 7 goals in 16 league appearances. His excellent form has resulted in Manchester United eyeing a €29.5 million bid this January itself, although Bordeaux are likely to hold out for a higher fee. The fact that the 20-year-old signed a contract extension last year designed to keep him at Bordeaux until 2021 strengthens the Ligue 1 side's negotiating hand.
Jose Mourinho is quite desperate to bolster his side's attacking options in January, although most of his prime targets are only likely to move in the summer. However, United's Portuguese boss hinted at a move, saying "I’m not a big defender of the January market, but there are players and situations that sometimes you have the chance to do and you shouldn’t lose the chance."
"If you can buy in January a player you would buy in June, July, and you have the chance to get him a few months before, then great."
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Author's Take:
While the big-money names might sell more shirts, Malcom might prove to be a very clever buy - especially as it will allow the likes of Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford to play more centrally and offset the times Romelu Lukaku is misfiring.
