Inter’s pursuit of Bordeaux forward Malcom took an intriguing twist on Friday when the Brazilian failed to turn up for the start of the Ligue 1 outfit’s pre-season training, according to reports in France.
Gustavo Poyet’s preparation for the 2018-19 campaign began today with Bordeaux due to play their first official match of the new season on 26 July, in the second preliminary round ahead of the UEFA Europa League group stage.
However Malcom, who had been rumoured in recent weeks to be considering a no-show in an attempt to accelerate a move to Inter, was nowhere to be seen, having excused himself in advance due to ‘family reasons’.
Bordeaux president Stephane Martin assured reporters that the 20 year-old will arrive and commence training as normal on Sunday, but Malcom’s absence could be a clue as to how negotiations with Inter are progressing.
The player is thought to be keen on a move to the Nerazzurri after his agents met with sporting director Piero Ausilio at the start of June, although he also has interest from several Premier League clubs.
