Manchester United would reportedly be open to signing Marcel Sabitzer on a permanent basis during this summer's transfer window.
The Austria international moved to Old Trafford on loan from Bayern Munich in the closing stages of the January transfer window, and he is due to spend the rest of the campaign at the club.
As it stands, the experienced midfielder will return to Allianz Arena this summer, but according to ESPN, Man United are open to signing him on a permanent basis.
The report claims that a strong loan spell for the 28-year-old could see the 20-time English champions speak to Bayern about the possibility of a long-term deal.
Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag is believed to have played a key role in Sabitzer arriving at Old Trafford, with the Dutchman believing that he is the perfect midfielder for his style of football.
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Ten Hag was full of praise for the Austrian following his debut against Crystal Palace last weekend.
"He understands football. You see it straight from the start. We have already seen that in the training as well, but yeah he did quite well," the Man United boss told MUTV.
"He's really composed on the ball and he knows how to defend so we need such a player who understands the game and will also bring the right spirit."
Sabitzer was introduced for the final nine minutes of the 2-1 win over Palace on February 4 before starting Wednesday's 2-2 draw with Leeds United in the Premier League.
The midfielder is expected to retain his spot in the XI for Sunday's trip to Leeds, as Man United currently have a number of absentees in the middle of the park.
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Casemiro still has two league games to serve on his three-match suspension following his red card in the narrow success over Palace.
Meanwhile, Scott McTominay, Christian Eriksen and Donny van de Beek are currently on the sidelines, with Ten Hag having limited options in the middle of the pitch.
Sabitzer still has more than two years left to run on his contract at Bayern, but the German champions are said to be open to letting him leave during the summer window.
The Austrian arrived at Allianz Arena from RB Leipzig in August 2021, and he has represented the Munich giants on 54 occasions, scoring twice and contributing two assists.
This season, Sabitzer has made 24 appearances for Bayern, contributing one goal and one assist, but his struggle for starts led to the club allowing him to move to Man United on loan.
