Crystal Palace and Donny van de Beek are pushing to secure a loan deal before the transfer deadline on Monday, although Manchester United remain reluctant to let the player go.
Van de Beek is yet to start a Premier League game more than halfway through the season and has only featured in one of United’s last six league fixtures – coming off the bench in the final minute of the recent 2-2 draw with Aston Villa.
The 24-year-old also experienced a lack of game time last season and is yet to get a consistent run in the team at any point, despite costing up to £40m and being a former Ballon d’Or nominee.
90min can confirm that both Palace and Van de Beek’s representatives are pushing for a loan. However, United continue to stand firm over his immediate future.
The problem that Palace may also encounter is that if United do eventually relent and allow Van de Beek to go, a number of others clubs are also keeping a close eye on the situation. That will mean the player could end up with a lot of other options on the table.
United have already allowed Anthony Martial to join Sevilla on loan this month. But the squad has an array of strikers and wingers, supplemented further by the recent promotion of Anthony Elanga to a main first-team role, that will ensure they remain well covered without the Frenchman.
Midfield is an area of the pitch where United are much lighter. With Paul Pogba still ruled out, Fred, Scott McTominay and Nemanja Matic are the only other options in central midfield, while there is little to no alternative cover for Bruno Fernandes slightly further forward.
For more from Jamie Spencer, follow him on Twitter and Facebook!