Man Utd defender on his way to Portuguese football?

Manchester United defender Tyrell Malacia is attracting interest from Benfica, according to Portuguese outlet Record.

The Dutchman returned after a long-term knee injury earlier this season, but he has struggled to make an impression.

The former Feyenoord man has looked short of pace in several games, and he could be allowed to leave before the transfer deadline.

Celtic and Real Betis have been linked in recent days and Record claim that Benfica have held negotiations for the 25-year-old too.

The Portuguese giants are preparing for the departure of Jan-Niklas Beste to Freiburg and want Malacia as a temporary replacement.

Alvaro Fernandez is an undisputed starter for Benfica from left-back, but the club want to provide quality cover to the Spaniard.

Malacia has already been given the green light for a loan exit. United are set to sign Patrick Dorgu from Lecce to fill the void.

Dorgu will travel to Manchester for his medical tomorrow before putting pen-to-paper on a five-and-a-half year contract.