Tottenham Hotspur are lining up a January swoop for long-term target Malcom following a failed summer move to Barcelona, according to Sport.
The Spanish newspaper report that Malcom is unhappy with his situation at the Nou Camp having played just 25 minutes of competitive action so far since his move, with Arsenal and Inter Milan also lurking.
Sport claim that Tottenham would be willing to table a £44million bid for the 21-year-old Brazilian, who they have been chasing since last January when he was at Bordeaux.
It is said that Mauricio Pochettino is a big fan of the Champions League speed machine, and is willing to pay more than what Barca shelled out in the summer – £36.5million.
Good move for Tottenham?
Yes and no.
Malcom is a huge talent, and one who could well go on to become a real star in the near future, and it is therefore no surprise that Tottenham have taken a long-standing interest in his services.
That being said, wide areas are not necessarily an area of weakness for Spurs, and they bought Lucas Moura in January for £25million after it became obvious a deal for Malcom was off the cards.
Pochettino could really do with strengthening up front and in the number ten role, with Harry Kane and Christian Eriksen badly needing quality back-ups in those respective positions, and spending nearly £50million elsewhere could be wasteful.
This is Futbol rating: 6/10
Likely to happen?
While Malcom is reportedly unhappy with his situation at Barca, there is surely a big part of him which wants to stay and fight for his place.
After all, the Brazilian turned down an almost-complete move to Roma in favour of the Blaugrana, meaning he is obviously invested in playing for the club already.
A loan is reportedly out of the question, and a £44million move just months after a £36.5million one just doesn’t add up.
This is Futbol rating: 2/10