Marcel Sabitzer Man Utd transfer: Latest as Bayern Munich star is ‘ready to leave’

Manchester United are close to agreeing a loan move for Bayern Munich’s Marcel Sabitzer, according to multiple reports.

The need for reinforcements in midfield became apparent following the announcement on Tuesday that Christian Eriksen is likely to not feature again this season. The Danish international suffered an ankle injury in Saturday’s 3-1 win over Reading, following a rash lunge from Andy Carroll, leaving the Red Devils with just three fit midfielders at present.

Erik ten Hag claimed on Tuesday afternoon that it would be ‘difficult’ to bring in a midfielder before the 11pm deadline, yet within hours there were a plethora of reports that Sabitzer was close to agreeing a short-term move to Old Trafford.

The Manchester Evening News now claim United are confident of completing a loan deal for Sabitzer before the deadline, with the decision made following the news of Eriksen’s injury.

Sky reporter Florian Plettenberg has stated Chelsea and United enquired about Sabitzer. He adds the Red Devils have a ‘good chance’ and tweeted the midfielder is ‘ready to leave Munich’ today. Meanwhile, the Evening Standard claim Chelsea have not yet expressed an interest in Sabitzer as they remain focused on completing a move for Benfica’s Enzo Fernandez, for a British record transfer of £115m.

Fabrizio Romano also got involved in the latest transfer news, tweeted to say the player has indicated via his agent that he is willing to join United, and claimed he didn’t train on Tuesday. Patrick Berger, a journalist for German outlet SPORT also said there is interest in Sabitzer, with ‘talks ongoing’.

The 28-year-old has struggled for game-time this season and has started just four of Bayern’s 18 league games, and only started eight last term following his move from RB Leipzig. He impressed during a seven-year stint with the latter and played against United in the 2020/21 Champions League group stage. But Sabitzer’s move to Bayern hasn’t gone as expected with competition for places meaning he is now seen as dispensable.

Sabitzer has spent his entire career to date in Germany or Austria and has racked up 68 international caps, scoring 12 goals in that time.