Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag has reportedly blocked a loan exit for Facundo Pellistri.
The 21-year-old made his first-team debut for the Red Devils in the EFL Cup quarter-final with Charlton Athletic last week, coming off the bench to provide an assist in a 3-0 victory for the hosts at Old Trafford.
Pellistri was then left out of the squad for the Premier League clash with Manchester City on Saturday, though, and he has not made a league squad since the start of November.
There is currently a host of speculation surrounding the Uruguay international, with a number of clubs believed to be keen to sign him on loan before the end of the January transfer window.
Watford are said to be interested in bringing him to the Championship, while La Liga giants Valencia are also believed to be keeping a close eye on the developments surrounding the South American.
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According to journalist Jorge Nicola, Pellistri's agent recently held discussions with Man United and informed the club that Brazilian pair Botafogo and Flamengo were interested in loan moves.
However, Nicola claims that the answer from the Red Devils 'was not positive', with Ten Hag keen to keep hold of the forward this month.
Pellistri recently said that he was "very happy" at the club amid the speculation surrounding his future.
"[It was] amazing (to make his debut)," Pellistri told MUTV. "I have been waiting for this moment for a long time, and it came. Of course, I'm really happy because of the moment and the way it was, and that is incredible.
"I had the luck to be at Old Trafford in other squads, but unluckily I didn't enter the pitch to play. I looked at the crowd and all the time I thought 'when will my moment arrive to play?' And today was the day and I enjoyed it a lot.
"Yes of course [I was eager to play]. I am very happy, and I want to help my teammates to achieve all the trophies that we have in mind and to win every game we have because this is an incredible club and very big. All players want to play and of course I want more. I will fight and train hard to continue this way."
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Meanwhile, Ten Hag praised the attacker for his performance against Charlton, claiming that he 'sees a future' at Man United for the former Penarol youngster.
"I see a future in him. He is doing really well and we have to see what is the best [for him]. He is progressing. Against Everton [in a behind-closed doors friendly], I was really happy with his performance," Ten Hag told reporters.
"I was happy with his performance at the World Cup, so his progress is really good and now he is coming on and has an effect. So that's the next step that I say: 'well done Pelli, keep going'.
"I mentioned already Pellistri came on and it was a debut. It was not long but he was really lively, some good actions and also the assist on the second goal."
Pellistri, who has been capped on 10 occasions by Uruguay, has a contract with Man United until June 2025, having penned a five-year deal upon his arrival in the summer of 2020.
Matt Law
