"It's flattering": 22yo Sweden star responds to Man Utd transfer talks, 7 recoveries/game this season

Malmo goalkeeper Melker Ellborg has said that it is flattering to be linked with Manchester United ahead of the winter transfer window.

The Red Devils reinforced their goalkeeping department with the signing of Senne Lammens last summer.

Lammens was initially a backup to Altay Bayindir and has become an undisputed starter since his debut against Sunderland last month.

Despite this, United continue to be linked with goalkeepers, and Expressen recently claimed that Ellborg has been identified as a target.

The Red Devils have added the 22-year-old to their shortlist for the winter transfer window, and a possible deal has not been ruled out.

When asked about the speculation, Ellborg has now said that the story came out of nowhere, but acknowledged it is definitely flattering.

He said via Expressen: “It came a little out of nowhere, but it’s definitely fun to be on those clubs’ radar. It’s awesome.

“The deal between me and my advisors is that I get on with it and focus on my own business.

“They take care of the rest. I have a really bad idea, actually.

“Headlines and social media, however, are hard to stay away from. – But for now, a rumor is just a rumor.

“As long as there’s nothing concrete, it’s not something I’m focusing on.

“I think it works best for me to just be in the present and focus on what I’m going to do.

“Then of course it’s flattering. You see it as a carrot and a receipt that you’ve done something good.”

Ellborg could be eyed as Bayindir’s replacement

Bayindir was handed a tremendous opportunity this campaign. He started the season as the first-choice goalkeeper after Andre Onana fell out of favour under manager Ruben Amorim.

Onana was eventually loaned out to Trabzonspor, and it seemed that Bayindir could make the position his own. However, things have panned out differently for the former Fenerbahce man.

Bayindir made a few notable errors between the sticks, which forced Amorim to make the change. Lammens has kept just one clean sheet in six games, but has been almost flawless.

There is a possibility that Bayindir could push for a winter exit. Turkey are in the World Cup play-offs where they host Romania in the semi-final. If they were to win, they would face either Slovakia or Kosovo in the final. There is a strong chance that they will qualify for the tournament.

Bayindir recently returned to the starting line-up for his country against Spain, and may need regular playing time during the back end of the season to secure a permanent role in the XI.

If Bayindir were to leave United in January, the Red Devils could step up their pursuit of Ellborg.

Ellborg has played in a rotational role with Robin Olsen in goal for Malmo this season.

He has still impressed with a save percentage of 83 percent in the Swedish top-flight. The shot-stopper has completed 75 percent of his passes with five long balls and seven recoveries per game.

The Swede is valued at only £500,000, as per Transfermarkt. Sebastian Nanasi is Malmo’s record sale at £9.6m to Strasbourg, and United should be optimistic of signing him for less than that.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com

Article written by Sri Aswin .