Feyenoord star Tyrell Malacia has already suggested he would be open to taking 'the next step' in his career this summer amid ongoing transfer links with Manchester United and other potential suitors.
United manager Erik ten Hag wants to sign Ajax centre-back Jurrien Timber as part of his rebuild of the club's squad. However, should he fall short in that pursuit, the Dutchman would have to look at other defensive targets.
Malacia is more renowned as a full-back than central defender, but the 22-year-old has emerged on the international stage with the Netherlands and has won five caps at senior level. He could be available for £15million, with French Ligue 1 side Lyon reported to have tabled a £12million offer.
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Ten Hag knows the player well from his Eredivisie days. Malacia has played 136 games for Feyenoord since making his way through their academy system and, with two years left to run on his contract, could be made available for an attainable price this summer window.
Speaking about his future during an interview with RTV, the defender said: "I'm certainly ready for the next steps. But first I want to focus on the Orange [Netherlands] squad and play here.
"I feel like everything happens for a reason and everything is written. If it's the right time, it's the right time.
"I'm not really thinking about it, it's in the back of my mind. But I don't want to comment on it."
As well as registering an interest in Timber this summer, United have set their sights on Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong, Christian Eriksen and Antony. Meanwhile, with Dean Henderson edging closer to a loan move to Nottingham Forest, the club are also in the market for a back-up goalkeeper such as Daniel Bachmann.
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