Transfer Rumour: Manchester United eyeing £26 million January move for Malcom

Manchester United are reportedly looking to add to their attack with a January move for Girondins Bordeaux forward Malcom, who is valued at around £26 million.

According to The Times, Manchester United are looking to reinforce their attack come January. Girondins Bordeaux forward Malcom has impressed Jose Mourinho, who is plotting a £26 million move to bring the Brazilian to the Premier League in January.

The report states that Jose Mourinho is all set to be handed a war-chest of around £80 million for the January transfer window and the Portuguese is already making a list of all of his targets. While United do seem to have sufficient options in attack, Henrikh Mkhitaryan seems set to be on the chopping block, which could bring about a vacant spot in the squad.

Add to that the uncertainties surrounding the future of Juan Mata and Jose Mourinho’s need to add a player for the right side of the wing, a move for Malcom does make sense.

Malcom arrived at Bordeaux in January after a successful spell at Corinthians. While his name has become synonymous on the Bordeaux team sheets match-in match-out, it is his improved return this season that is catching everyone’s eye – 7 goals and 4 assists in 17 appearances in Ligue 1.

Manchester United’s need for reinforcement on the right wing has been highlighted by their playing style in the recent days. Juan Mata seems to always like cutting in while Jesse Lingard looks like his performances as a number 10 have been one of the reasons for Mourinho to keep Mkhitaryan out.

And with Mkhitaryan likely to leave the club in January, addition of a right winger will go a long way in stabilising the attack, which seems very heavily skewed towards the left side for now.

Malcom, according to the report, could be subject to a bid close to £30 million from Manchester United, who view the player as a long-term addition to their squad. The 20-year-old looks to be an inbred Mourinho-type player, with his work-rate and direct playing style.

United do seem to be in need of some Samba flavour to add some flair within their squad and Malcom could be a viable answer. Bordeaux though, are struggling towards the lower end of the table, with just 20 points to show for their efforts in 18 games so far.

With a relegation battle set to be at hand, manager Jocelyn Gourvennec is unlikely to allow a member as key to their fortunes as Malcom to leave in January. He could end up being a spectator though, if the club does end up agreeing to Malcom’s sale upon seeing the compensation to be received in return.

United fans love exciting young attacking additions at the club and Malcom could become the latest one in one of the few January transfers potentially lined up by Jose Mourinho.