By Joe Ellis

27th May, 2022 | 6:49pm

View: Manchester United and Crystal Palace target Malcolm Ebiowei has unique weapon

Both Manchester United and Crystal Palace are targeting a move for Derby County winger Malcolm Ebiowei this summer transfer window.

Journalist Fabrizio Romano broke the news via his personal Twitter account on Friday (27 May) and also mentioned the interest of Ligue 1 side Monaco and Vitesse of the Netherlands’ Eredivisie.

The 18-year-old emerged in the Rams’ senior set-up late in the 2021-22 season, scoring once and picking up two assists as they failed to survive relegation from the Championship after a 21 point deduction despite the best efforts of manager Wayne Rooney and his players.

He may not have played a huge amount of football in his professional career so far but when you look at his goal contributions this season, you can see why he’s being touted for great things in the future.

Starting with his first assist for Derby in a 3-1 defeat at home to Bristol City, the Rams right-winger was able to expertly come back inside onto his stronger left foot and whip a delightful cross to the back post where the left-back headed home.

It might look like a simple cross but the margin for error is so small that placing that ball even an inch away from where it needs to go will result in no goal, not that this one made a difference on the day at Pride Park.

The following weekend, Derby travelled to the seaside to take on Blackpool at Bloomfield Road and it was here that Ebiowei had his best game of the season in a 2-0 win.

Once again, the teenager’s sublime delivery from wide areas was on show as he took a wide free-kick on the left flank and dropped it perfectly on the head of his teammate to double the lead.

We say “double the lead” because earlier in the game, Ebiowei was the man who put the Rams in front as they continued to battle relegation at the time.

With the left-winger surging to the touchline, the 18-year-old wasn’t satisfied to wait for the ball to arrive at his feet, instead bursting towards the back post and he eventually got his reward as he scrambled the ball home.

He may only be a teenager but he has shown all the ability to make a real difference in the Premier League and whoever signs him, whether it be Manchester United or Crystal Palace, will be getting an exceptional young talent.

In other Manchester United news, one of this season’s debutants has signed a new deal at Old Trafford.