Manchester United are now edging closer to completing a last-gasp loan deal for Bayern Munich midfielder Marcel Sabitzer ahead of Tuesday night's 11pm transfer deadline.
After spending significantly in the summer and sealing temporary deals for Jack Butland and Wout Weghorst earlier this month, United were not expected to be involved in any late business on deadline day.
But Erik ten Hag was always likely to act after it emerged that Christian Eriksen is set for a three-month spell on the sidelines as a result of an injury he sustained at the hands of Andy Carroll in United's recent FA Cup triumph.
The Old Trafford hierarchy have now agreed terms on a temporary switch with Bayern Munich for Sabitzer, who would add some much-needed depth to United's midfield between now and the end of the season. Prior to confirmation of Eriksen's injury, Donny van de Beek had already been ruled out for the remainder of the season after sustaining a nasty knee injury against Bournemouth earlier this month.
Sabitzer, 28, was captured boarding a flight to Manchester airport on Tuesday evening and there is confidence that a deal will be completed before the deadline.
Barring any late hitches, the versatile midfielder will become United's third winter transfer addition - meaning the 28-year-old will have a limited pool of options when it comes to picking his new shirt number.
But the former RB Leipzig ace could grab his dream number with the No.7 currently vacant following Cristiano Ronaldo's bitter exit from the club. Sabitzer donned the same number during his time at Leipzig and would jump at the chance to pinch the famous No.7 shirt for the remainder of the season.
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Sabitzer has worn the No.18 shirt ever since he signed for Bayern Munich last summer, but that number will be unavailable at Old Trafford after Casemiro picked it up following his £70million summer switch from Real Madrid.
The midfielder currently wears the No.9 for the Austria national team. Anthony Martial currently dons the famous number, though, meaning that is also not an option for Sabitzer if his move to Manchester United is completed.
Previously in his career, Sabitzer wore the No.24 shirt during stints at Rapid Vienna and Admira Wacker. Intriguingly, that number would also be available for the Bayern ace and could be a more viable option if United are reluctant to hand a loan player the No.7 shirt.
It is believed that there is an option, rather than obligation, for Manchester United to make the move permanent if Sabitzer impresses between now and the end of the season.
