Manchester United and Crystal Palace are reportedly tracking Derby County’s teenage striker Malcolm Ebiowei ahead of the summer transfer window.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Derby County starlet Malcolm Ebiowei is set to be a man in demand in the upcoming summer transfer window, with Manchester United and Crystal Palace the latest clubs to show an interest in the teenager.
Ebiowei started at the academy of Arsenal before spending a little over a year within the youth setup of Scottish giants Rangers. The young forward signed for Derby County in the summer of last year and has made a solid impression on his return to England.
Ebiowei scored seven goals and set up one more in eight games for Derby County’s Under-18 setup, earning a bump up to the senior team under Wayne Rooney. The 18-year-old striker, who can play in multiple positions in the attacking third, featured 16 times for the first team and contributed with a goal and two assists.
While the numbers might not exactly be outstanding, Ebiowei caught the eye of the onlookers with his raw talent and immense potential. The 18-year-old is already attracting interest from the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Leeds United and Fulham, and now Manchester United and Crystal Palace have also joined the hunt for the teenager.
Manchester United and Crystal Palace are keeping taps on Derby County's Malcolm Ebiowei, talented striker born in 2003. Monaco and Vitesse also interested – he has Dutch passport ⭐️??????? #transfers
Steve McClaren leaving Derby to join Man United could be a factor – no decision yet. pic.twitter.com/5yHs1RTLxL
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 26, 2022
Manchester United have always been a club that have prided themselves on blooding young talent. And, with new manager Erik ten Hag known for his ability to coax the best out of talented prospects, there is likely to be an extra focus on youth recruitment in the coming years at Old Trafford.
With the striker slot needing reinforcements due to the impending departures of Edinson Cavani and Anthony Martial, it makes sense for Manchester United to sign a new player in the position. While a more proven option is likely to be pursued, adding someone like Ebiowei with an eye on the future would make sense for Manchester United.
Crystal Palace, on the other hand, are building a youthful and vibrant team under Patrick Vieira, with young talents like Michael Olise, Eberechi Eze, and Marc Guehi at the core of the project. And the Eagles seem to be intent on continuing with the same outlook this summer as well.
With Jordan Ayew on his way out and question marks over the future of Wilfried Zaha, there is room for a new attacking addition, making Ebiowei a viable target for Crystal Palace. Apart from Manchester United and Crystal Palace, clubs like AS Monaco and Vitesse are also keen on the Derby County starlet.
But Manchester United might have an edge over the other suitors as they recently brought in former Derby County director Steve McClaren into the club as part of ten Hag’s coaching staff. It remains to be seen where the gifted Ebiowei ends up come summer amidst rising interest in his services.
