Feyenoord chief confirms Tyrell Malacia deal with Manchester United

Despite his appointment as the club's new boss several months ago, Erik ten Hag is still looking to make his own mark on the first-team squad at Old Trafford.

On Tuesday, the Dutchman took his first training session at their Carrington facilities, the opening step towards trying to improve on last season's sixth-placed finish.

At a time when Ten Hag will hope to make quick progress with his current crop, work has been continuing behind the scenes to bring in fresh faces.

The Premier League giants have recently been linked with a move for Malacia, who starred for Feyenoord at left-back during the most recent campaign.

The 22-year-old, who recently made two starts for the Netherlands in the UEFA Nations League, featured on 38 occasions in the Eredivisie and Europa Conference League.

While a deal is yet to be completed, Feyenoord director Frank Arnesen has revealed that United have emerged as the favourites to win the race for Malacia's signature.

Speaking to 1908.nl, Arnesen said: "The agreement is there. We are now waiting for Tyrell. If he says yes, then a transfer to Manchester United is imminent."

During his time on international duty earlier this month, Malacia acknowledged to reporters that he was ready to 'take the next steps' in his career.

De Telegraaf has recently suggested that Malacia will cost £12.9m, the assumption now being that United have met that valuation.

That outlet claimed that Lyon were United's main competition for the player but had failed to meet the demands of the Europa Conference League runners-up.

United will hope that the proposed transfer of Malacia will set the ball rolling for further fresh faces to arrive as soon as possible.

Club officials are said to be in deep negotiations with their Barcelona counterparts regarding the signing of midfielder Frenkie de Jong.

The Dutch connection continues with United also said to be chasing Ajax duo Lisandro Martinez and Antony, players who could cost a combined total of £115m.