Manchester United have approached Bayern Munich over a potential deadline day deal for Austrian midfielder Marcel Sabitzer.
Whilst it had, initially, appeared that United's business for January was complete after confirming the loan signings of Jack Butland and Wout Weghorst earlier in the month, a significant injury to Christian Eriksen has changed the club's plans.
The Danish midfielder is destined for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after he was seen departing Old Trafford on crutches following the 3-1 FA Cup win over Reading on Saturday night.
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United confirmed in a statement today (Tuesday) "While investigations are continuing, initial assessments indicate that Eriksen is likely to be out until late April or early May.
"Eriksen’s absence will be a big disappointment to manager Erik ten Hag and fans given the consistency of his performances throughout the season so far. However, there is hope that Christian can return in time to play a role in the final stages of the season."
The Manchester Evening News understands Sabitzer is United's leading midfield target on deadline day and the club are confident of finalising a loan deal.
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 Bayern for a reported transfer fee of €16 million (£14m) in 2021.
However, with the British transfer window slamming shut at 11pm tonight, there is little time remaining for United to complete a deal with Bayern.
Supporters may also be concerned to learn that the German transfer window is due to close at 5pm (GMT) this evening. But that deadline only applies to incoming signings for Bundesliga clubs.
The 5pm restriction does not prevent clubs from negotiating deals with sides abroad while the buying club's transfer window remains open. To put it simply, United will have until 11pm tonight and the end of the British window to confirm the signing of Sabitzer, despite the German window 'closing' earlier.
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