Manchester United are working on a loan deal to bring Bayern Munich midfielder Marcel Sabitzer to the club ahead of the transfer deadline.
The Manchester Evening News understands the Old Trafford hierarchy have identified Sabitzer as a suitable replacement for Christian Eriksen, with the Danish playmaker facing a significant spell on the sidelines after he left Old Trafford on crutches following Saturday's FA Cup triumph over Reading.
READ MORE: Three players Man United need to target in summer transfer window
Whilst United working against tonight's 11pm transfer deadline, the club are confident of getting the temporary deal over the line and have transport ready to collect the Austria international at Manchester Airport.
United have already confirmed the captures of Jack Butland and Wout Weghorst on loan deals from English clubs this month, meaning Sabizter would take them to three loans.
Loan rules in the Premier League handbook state "Premier League clubs may not register more than two players on loan at any one time" - but the guidance only applies to domestic loan signings. This means Sabitzer's arrival from Germany does not breach guidelines.
Martin Dubravka was United's first loan signing of the season, with Newcastle United recalling the Slovakian shot-stopper earlier this month. If Sabitzer does arrive in the dying embers of deadline day, he will become the club's fourth registered loan player.
Subsequently United are working in tandem with another Premier League ruling which states: "The maximum number of loans registrable in the same season is four, and, under no circumstances, shall more than one be from the same club at any one time."
Having signed for RB Leipzig in 2014, Sabitzer developed a reputation as one of the Bundesliga's premier midfielders, finishing the 2019/2020 campaign with 16 goals and 11 assists across all competitions. He joined the Bavarian giants for a reported transfer fee of €16 million (£14m) in 2021.
READ NEXT: