Jesse Lingard has met with Manchester United manager Ralf Rangnick as his future at the club remains in the balance.
The England international has been interesting a number of clubs this January, but United's demands have held back a potential departure amid links to the likes of West Ham, Spurs and Newcastle.
The behaviour of the club has frustrated Lingard's brother, who spoke out on social media and likened the current situation to being locked up.
Now, 12 months on from a successful loan spell at the London Stadium, and just a few months away from his contract expiring, Lingard himself has held talks with interim boss Rangnick as he seeks a resolution to his current situation.
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Lingard's one and only start under Rangnick came more than a month ago, in the Champions League group stage draw with Young Boys.
His involvement since then amounts to just five minutes across two substitute appearances, against Aston Villa in the Premier League and FA Cup.
The interim manager continues to describe him as "a really good player," albeit one who faces stiff competition for a starting spot.
However, with time running out, player and manager have had words.
According to The Athletic, Lingard spoke with Rangnick on Sunday and the pair are due to continue their conversation on deadline day.
Newcastle looks like the most likely destination if the 29-year-old is to move on, and he is reportedly making a plea to the manager to help him force a move through before the window shuts.
United's hefty financial demands had held up a deal, but as the deadline draws closer there is still some hope from Lingard's and Newcastle's side that a middle ground can be found.
"As I said, for him, I know his contract is expiring in the summer but the question is what does he want to do? Does he want to get more gametime from now on?" Rangnick said of Lingard earlier this season.
"Therefore, it's quite legitimate to speak about other options, but I wouldn't be unhappy if he stayed until the rest of season. I know he is a player who can always play, even if we need to play him from the start.
"I know what kind of level I will get from him. That’s how I would describe the situation."
United have already parted ways with two other players who were options in wide attacking roles for Rangnick's side.
Ivorian winger Amad completed a loan switch to Rangers, scoring on his debut for the Scottish club, while Anthony Martial will spend the remainder of the season in La Liga with Sevilla.
"I have joined for five months but you never know what the future holds," Martial explained after sealing his departure.
"It's not just about money. It's to play and to enjoy it. That's it. That's why I chose to come here, to play and to enjoy football again.
