Manchester United's summer pursuit of securing a permanent deal for on-loan midfielder Marcel Sabitzer could rest on Bayern Munich lowering their asking fee.
Sabitzer has impressed during his loan spell at Old Trafford since being snapped up by Erik ten Hag in the January transfer window as a fix to United's then injury-ridden midfield.
The 29-year-old has since kept his place as part of a three-man midfield and scored both of United's goals in their 2-2 Europa League draw with Sevilla on Thursday.
But parent club Bayern are now reportedly demanding in excess of £20million for the Austrian, a fee that United are currently unwilling to pay, according to The Sun.
Ten Hag wants to continue his overhaul of his Red Devils squad that has seemingly overachived this season having already lifted one piece of silverware and still in the FA Cup and Europa League.
But transfer funds are expected to be tight as United look to conform to financial fair play regulations and a bidding war for an ownership takeover continues to be drawn out.
Sabitzer would like to complete a permanent move to United after previously struggling to get consistent minutes under ex-Bayern boss Julian Nagelsmann.
He recently explained that he was loving life at Old Trafford, stating:
'It's a loan deal without an option. In the summer, the situation will be evaluated.
'But I can say that I found my place here. Now I know the Premier League and can say there's nothing better, more intense and tougher.
'Every game is a fight. It's the best league in the world. When you play once here you know it's incomparable,' he added.
Former Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has since taking charge but the German giants supposedly remain open to allowing the midfielder to leave in the summer if they get an offer they deem respectable.
Sabitzer has thrived since making a last-ditch move to the English top-flight and will be hoping that the two clubs can agree on a fee for his services.
He has made 13 appearances in all competitions for United and has started the last three Premier League fixtures and is set to start again away to Nottingham Forest on Sunday.