Manchester United transfer 'stalls' amid Malick Fofana twist

Manchester United are still in the thick of transfer dealings, despite the Premier League's summer window being closed, as we head into mid-September. The Turkish and Saudi Arabian markets remain open for a few more days, providing an opportunity for United to finalise some sales that couldn't be completed during the summer.

However, it's easier said than done. In our latest round-up of United transfer news, it seems one player the Reds are keen to offload is trying to put the brakes on his departure.

Malacia exit stalls

Tyrell Malacia, according to talkSPORT, is reportedly attempting to block a move to Turkish outfit Eyupspor. Reports earlier this week suggested that United and Eyupspor had reached an agreement to transfer Malacia to Turkey.

However, Crook believes that Malacia isn't too keen on the deal and wants to stay in Manchester.

Our verdict: It's hardly surprising that Malacia isn't thrilled about the prospect of moving to Eyupspor. It would be seen as a significant downgrade from his loan stint at PSV Eindhoven last season.

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Remaining at Old Trafford is no longer a viable option for the Dutch player, as it's causing more harm than good. Malacia has already expressed his desire to leave United, making his reintegration into the team unlikely.

His best chance of securing a move to a top five league in January or next summer is to play regularly. Eyupspor could provide him with this opportunity, but not if Malacia is prepared to stay in the academy until winter.

Fofana deal fell through

Reflecting on the recent summer transfer window, Foot Mercato reveals that United made a last-ditch attempt to sign Lyon's Belgian winger Malick Fofana before the deadline. It's understood that Fofana was keen on the deal, but United were waiting for the player's father to give them the go-ahead.

However, the approval never came and United had to look elsewhere. It's believed that Fofana became a last-minute target after Alejandro Garnacho was sold to Chelsea.

Our verdict: The 20-year-old has plenty of potential but it seems hard to imagine thinking that a player who plays predominantly on the wing would suit Ruben Amorim's system.

This screams as a panic last minute approach that perhaps rightly fell through for United's sake. United ended the window with plenty of attacking options which ensured Garnacho leaving was not a big blow. If this is true, it will be interesting to see if United go back in for Fofana in the future.