Manchester United step up interest in Brazil prodigy

Manchester, November 24: English giants Manchester United have stepped up their interest in Bordeaux's Brazilian prodigy Malcom.

The Brazil Under-23 international has hit five goals and set up four more for his French club this season.

The scouts of Jose Mourinho have repeatedly checked on the flamboyant attacking midfielder and watched him in action in Bordeaux's 1-1 draw with Marseille last Sunday (November 19).

Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has been hot on 20-year-old Malcom's tail since last season, and had him watched in February.

Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham are further admirers of the Sao Paulo-born ace, while Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain have also been linked with him.

Malcom signed a contract extension until 2021 with the Ligue 1 club in September and is not likely to come for cheap.

In-form joined Bordeaux from Brazilian club Corinthians in January 2016 for an undisclosed fee and since then, he has been impressing on a weekly basis.

Being just 20 years of age, he has his best days well ahead of him and would be an asset for whichever club he joins.

The Brazilian hinted earlier this year that he would be open to a move to the Premier League.

Bordeaux will be powerless to resist if United follow up their interest with a firm offer in January or next summer.

When quizzed about Man United’s interest in May, Malcom said: “Even when I was at Corinthians these rumours were already happening.

"I have a calm mind about that, I have a focused thought on the pitch and I leave it to my agent and my family to take care of.

"Then, who knows, if a bid comes up I’ll think of leaving, but now I’ll just playing football."

Manchester United are lacking creativity in midfield with Mkhitaryan and Mata both struggling for form and Malcom could well be the answer to their problems.