Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag is reportedly reluctant to let Hannibal Mejbri leave the club on loan until he has assessed the fitness of the other midfielders in his squad.
The 20-year-old's future at Old Trafford is currently the subject of speculation, as he only has a contract with the Red Devils until the end of the campaign.
Hannibal is believed to be in Man United's long-term plans, with discussions over a new contract said to be underway, but he is widely expected to leave on loan this month in search of regular action.
A recent report claimed that Sevilla, Lyon and Freiburg are all interested in the Tunisia international, but according to the Daily Mail, a loan exit is currently on hold.
The report claims that Ten Hag does not want the youngster to leave until he has fully assessed the fitness of the midfielders currently out of action.
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Man United are without Casemiro and Mason Mount through injury, but the pair are expected to return this month, potentially for the Premier League clash with Tottenham Hotspur on January 14.
Mount has suffered a number of fitness setbacks this term, though, while Casemiro has played just once since the start of October due to a hamstring problem.
The Red Devils are also losing another midfield option this month to the Africa Cup of Nations, with Sofyan Amrabat preparing to represent Morocco at the competition.
Hannibal has featured on nine occasions for the Red Devils during the 2023-24 campaign, including five outings in the Premier League, scoring against Brighton & Hove Albion in England's top flight in September.
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The midfielder has started just once in the Premier League this term, though, and Man United are said to be keen for him to secure regular action at another club in the second half of the campaign.
Hannibal has featured as a late substitute in two of Man United's last four matches, while 19-year-old Dan Gore has also recently been involved with the first team.
Kobbie Mainoo is the youngest of Man United's first-team midfielders at 18, but he has developed into an important player for the 20-time English champions.
The Red Devils have already confirmed the loan exit of Donny van de Beek to Eintracht Frankfurt, while Jadon Sancho is allegedly closing in on a return to Borussia Dortmund on loan.
Matt Law
