Tyrell Malacia has admitted that Robin van Persie's career as a Manchester United player played a key role in him being poised to become the club's first signing of the summer transfer window.
The 22-year-old is on the cusp of completing a move to Old Trafford from Dutch giants Feyenoord after United agreed a £12.9million fee with the Eredivisie club last week. Malacia is set to become the first addition of the Erik ten Hag era.
United acted swiftly to move for the attack-minded full-back, hijacking his proposed move to French club Lyon. Ten Hag, who has spent most of his career in Dutch football, is understood to be an enormous fan of Malacia's talents and was linked with signing him while in charge of Ajax.
