Hannibal Mejbri is set to join Championship club Birmingham City on loan this season after appearing three times on Manchester United's pre-season tour.
The midfielder was selected in Erik ten Hag's squad for friendly games in Australia and Thailand last month.
Substitute cameos against Crystal Palace, Aston Villa and Rayo Vallecano had Hannibal playing mostly as a false-nine.
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Despite United's troubles in midfield, which have been evident in losses against Brighton and Brentford, the Tunisian international is close to joining the Midlands club for the 2022/23 campaign.
It has been revealed by Richard Fay of the Manchester Evening News that Birmingham are the team with the best chance of landing the 19-year-old after fighting off competition for his signature, barring any last-minute bids.
It was added that both Millwall and Middlesbrough were also believed to have made bids for the player.
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West Brom also considered a deal before looking elsewhere in the market.
United believe that a loan is the best pathway for Hannibal in his development.
Another aspect considered was that any club successful in their pursuit of the talented playmaker will need to be able to guarantee regular playing time to the academy graduate.
Hannibal is keen on a move. He appreciates the need to be playing regular football ahead of the World Cup at the end of the year, which he is well-placed to receive a call-up to.
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Birmingham City took both Tahith Chong and Teden Mengi on loan last term. Chong was one of the standout players for the Blues before he was ruled out with an injury mid-way through the season.
It appears that the relationship between the two clubs is growing stronger, with Hannibal being considered one of the brightest talents in United's youth selection.
Meanwhile, Ten Hag wants reinforcements in the middle of the park at Old Trafford. The need seems all the more important after news broke that James Garner could be sold permanently this month.
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The manager pleaded to the board that he needs more players following the embarrassing 4-0 loss against Thomas Frank's men on Saturday evening, according to Paul Hirst of The Times.
Reports from Jason Burt of The Telegraph say that Ten Hag wants two new midfielders before the summer window slams shut.
There is a hope that a deal for Juventus' Adrien Rabiot can be completed before Liverpool travel to Old Trafford in a weeks time.
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It was added that a third signing of a versatile forward is also wanted. Ten Hag decided to play Christian Eriksen as a false-nine on the opening weekend due to the lack of depth in the forward line.
Topics: Manchester United, Birmingham City, EFL Championship, Premier League, Erik Ten Hag, Football, Transfers, Manchester United Transfer News & Rumours
Cain Smith