The left-back arrived on British shores in 2022, completing a £13m move from Feyenoord to Manchester United.

He arrived with the reputation as one of Europe’s most exciting young defenders but it has not gone to plan for Malacia at Old Trafford.

The 26-year-old has made just 48 appearances having been hindered by injury problems. After undergoing knee surgery in 2023, he did not feature in the Premier League for over 18 months.

Leeds United linked with Manchester United man

According to SportsBoom, Malacia could be given an exit route out of Manchester United this summer.

Leeds are said to be among the clubs keeping an eye on the defender, who has made just one senior appearance for the Red Devils this term.

Sunderland, however, are also said to be looking at a potential deal for Malacia. The Black Cats reportedly believe they could offer a key first-team role to the Netherlands-capped defender when his Manchester United contract expires in the summer.

It has also been suggested there is interest from overseas, therefore Malacia could get the opportunity to resurrect his reputation away from the Premier League.

Leeds United’s left-back department

Left-back had been a problem position for Leeds before Junior Firpo enjoyed a heartwarming redemption arc in the Championship.

Despite starring in the club’s title triumph last season, the Dominican Republic international moved back to former club Real Betis in the summer.

Leeds plugged the gap with the signing of Gabriel Gudmundsson, who joined the Whites from Lille for a reported £10m.

He has taken to life in the Premier League like a duck to water and Malacia would most likely find it tough to dislodge the Swede if he made the move to West Yorkshire.

Speaking to The Yorkshire Post about Gudmundsson earlier in the season, Leeds icon Jermaine Beckford said: “He’s one of those players, he didn’t come in for big money, but when you look at what he’s been able to do during his time at the club, he’s a steady seven-and-a-half or eight out of 10 every game.

“You’re not going to get less, you’re not going to get more. Bags of energy, tough in the tackle, really positive when he wins the ball back. He likes to play forward. He’s quite aggressive in the challenge when the ball’s turned over. I’m a massive fan of his.”