Manchester United interim boss Ralf Rangnick may still give consideration to retaining the services of Amad Diallo for the remainder of the season.
With injury and being down the United pecking order restricting the 19-year-old to just one appearance this season, a loan move in January appears to be the most likely outcome.
However, according to The Express, the Ivory Coast international joining another club on a temporary basis is not a foregone conclusion.
The report suggests that Diallo is in contention to remain at United if Anthony Martial is allowed to depart the club before the end of the month.
While Martial has already stated that he wishes to leave, it remains unclear whether United will be able to find a team who are willing to take on a large portion of his wages.
Diallo has made just nine outings in all competitions since joining from Atalanta BC 12 months ago, but the report hints that United may view progressing Diallo as a better option than shelling out a fee for a new player.