Marcel Sabitzer has been told he can earn a permanent move to Manchester United if he impresses during his loan spell at the club.
The midfielder joined the Red Devils in a January transfer deadline day move from Bayern Munich after Christian Eriksen was hit by a long-term injury. He has featured in two games so far, with his first start coming in United's draw with Leeds on Wednesday.
With Casemiro suspended for two further games after his red card against Crystal Palace, the Austrian is likely to keep his starting spot for the return visit to the Whites this weekend. If he continues to impress, Sabitzer could earn more than just praise from Erik ten Hag.
According to ESPN, United are prepared to bring him back to Old Trafford permanently in the summer transfer window. The Red Devils are said to have informed Sabitzer that the offer of a long-term contract could be on the table if he stars for Ten Hag's side.
Ten Hag is thought to be hopeful that the potential offer of a permanent deal may act as an incentive to Sabitzer. The Austrian is likely to be a regular fixture in the United side in the closing months of the season.
The Red Devils are seeking to end a six-year trophy drought, having reached the Carabao Cup final. They have also reached the fifth round of the FA Cup and are preparing for a Europa League knockout tie with Barcelona next week.
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There are several potential stumbling blocks to a long-term move for Sabitzer though, namely the fact he is under contract at Bayern until 2025. There is also no obligation or option to buy Sabitzer in the loan deal with the Bundesliga giants.
Instead, under the terms of the agreement, Sabitzer will return to the Allianz Arena in the summer. But having fallen out of favour at Bayern, it is expected the 28-year-old will depart, with Konrad Laimer already being lined up as a replacement.
Ten Hag has certainly been pleased with Sabitzer's efforts so far, which helped United to a win over Palace and a draw with Leeds. And the Dutchman encouraged his new signing to keep his performance levels high.
"Yeah, he [Sabitzer] understands football. You see that straight from the start and in training as well. He did quite well, he's really composed on the ball and he knows how to defend. We need such players who understand the game and who also bring the right spirit," he said after the win over Palace.
He then added following the draw with Leeds: "I think Marcel Sabitzer did a decent job and played a good game and the reason we took him off is because he didn't play since a while 90 minutes. In training, he seems like a fit guy.
"But if you have to come into a Premier League game, especially when you have to play Leeds United, as a team with the most intensity in the game, it is normal you are a little bit tired."
