Juventus have emerged as surprise contenders to sign Manchester United left-back Tyrell Malacia in the January transfer window, according to reports. Malacia's future at Old Trafford looks bleak, having struggled to rediscover his groove since returning from an 18-month injury layoff this season.
The 25-year-old has made four appearances this season but has only lasted more than one half once and hasn't completed a full match.
Ruben Amorim has left Malacia on the bench six times in his last 10 appearances in a matchday squad, preferring Diogo Dalot, Noussair Mazraoui and even Antony at left-wing-back.
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And he seems destined to walk away from Manchester this winter in search of regular football to help regain the levels he displayed before his costly knee problems.
According to the Daily Star, Juventus are lining up a shock swoop for Malacia ahead of his likely United departure in the coming weeks.
The Serie A giants are said to consider Malacia an ideal replacement for Danilo, who manager Thiago Motta has confirmed is no longer part of his project in Turin.
It's claimed that Juventus chiefs are desperate to bolster Motta's squad in January to fuel a title challenge, with the club sitting sixth, nine points behind leaders Atalanta.
The Old Lady have identified Malacia as an attainable option, eyeing an initial loan with a view to making the deal permanent at the end of the season.
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Malacia made his comeback from almost two years out of action in United's 3-2 victory against Bodo/Glimt in November.
But the Netherlands international was run ragged at Old Trafford before being hooked at half-time.
He has since featured against Arsenal, Viktoria Plzen and Bournemouth but remains on the fringes of Amorim's thinking.
Whether the United boss would be willing to sanction Malacia's exit remains to be seen, given his current lack of options in the wing-back positions.
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Dalot has been Amorim's first-choice left-wing-back while Luke Shaw continues to suffer from relentless injury woes.
Mazraoui and Antony have also operated there, but neither of the trio have convinced and United's need to recruit fresh blood for the position is clear.
Malacia's exit, as well as other player sales, including Marcus Rashford, could pave the way for the Red Devils to fast-track summer plans and make a move this month.
Juventus could also benefit the club's finances by sealing a deal for £36.5million flop Joshua Zirkzee, who was brutally booed off by his own fans against Newcastle United last time out.
