Man Utd push to replace forgotten Juventus-bound defender with leading £60m Premier League talent

In-form Wolverhampton Wanderers full-back Rayan Ait-Nouri has been identified as the ideal replacement for out-of-favour Manchester United defender Tyrell Malacia as speculation surrounding the Dutchman’s long-term future at Old Trafford continues to intensify.

Manchester United are currently in the process of yet another rebuild under new boss Ruben Amorim, who is beginning to implement a new system and brand of football at the club after replacing Erik Ten Hag.

The Portuguese coach is tasked with making key decisions on the long-term plan at Carrington and has reportedly told injury-hit defender Malacia that he is not a part of his vision moving forward.

CaughtOffside claims the 25-year-old, who was signed by Ten Hag for £14.5m is surplus to requirements after making just two league appearances in the last 18 months.

The former PSV man, who enjoyed a steady first season at Old Trafford in 2022/23, missed the entirety of last term with a serious knee injury and has made just two 45-minute appearances in the league since Amorim’s arrival in December.

Manchester United are currently lining up with a 3-4-3 system with a strong emphasis on attacking wing-backs and despite Luke Shaw's unavailability, Malacia has rarely been able to get minutes ahead of the likes of Noussair Mazraoui and Diogo Dalot.

However, despite Malacia’s injury woes and his struggle for game time, Italian heavyweights Juventus have made enquiries about the full-back’s availability.

The Serie A side are currently in fifth position in the table and are in need of reinforcements to help them achieve their Champions League qualification dream with uncertainty rising around the future of Danilo.

Juventus are believed to be considering a loan offer for Malacia, but the Red Devils are reportedly seeking some sort of permanent clause in the deal to help raise funds for an adequate replacement.

Manchester United make move for Rayan Ait-Nouri

Caught Offside understands that Manchester United are leading the charge to prise Algerian international Rayan Ait-Nouri away from Molineux this month if they are able to successfully sell Tyrell Malacia.

The outlet claims that Ruben Amorim is a huge fan of the Wolves star due to his incredible pace, dribbling qualities and his ability to score goals and create plenty of chances for his team-mates.

Ait-Nouri has all the qualities required to be a natural wing-back in Amorim’s system and is seen as the type of player that can provide a creative outlet for a team that is hugely underperforming in the attacking department.

As it stands, Ait-Nouri, despite playing for a team near the bottom of the table, is the most creative defender in the entirety of the Premier League with four goals and five assists across all competition - putting him ahead of the likes of Antonee Robinson, Pedro Porro and even Liverpool playmaker Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Wolves, who signed the player for £9.8m after a loan spell in 2020/2021, are desperate to keep the defender on board to aid their survival push, and will only sell if they receive a fee of around £60m, according to Transfer Feed.