Manchester United have reportedly terminated Sergio Reguilon's loan deal from Tottenham.
The Spanish left back arrived at Old Trafford on a season-long loan on deadline day in the summer following significant injuries to Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia.
Shaw missed more than three months with a muscle injury between August and November while Malacia is yet to play this season after undergoing knee surgery in the summer.
Despite that, Reguilon has struggled to convince at Old Trafford and has featured just 12 times in all competitions, with Diego Dalot often preferred out of position on the left side of defence instead.
And, according to The Athletic, United have activated the break clause in the original loan deal and Reguilon will now return to Spurs, where he faces an uncertain future.
The report claims United were always open to using the option to cut the loan short, with Shaw back to fitness, although he has missed the Red Devils' past two games.
Meanwhile, Malacia is closing in on a return from injury following a nightmare spell for the Dutch defender.
Reguilon made just seven starts in all competitions for Erik ten Hag's side, with the last of these coming during the dire 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth in December.
Despite missing a short period with a hamstring injury, Reguilon has generally been available to Ten Hag in the midst of a much wider injury crisis.
He was thrown on in the dying embers of Saturday's 2-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest, but couldn't inspire a United comeback.
He will return to Spurs where he had drastically fallen down the pecking order in recent times.
After a solid start to his career in north London upon arriving from Real Madrid in 2020, the 26-year-old hasn't played for the north London side since the 2021-22 campaign and spent last season on loan with Atletico Madrid.
He has won six caps for Spain, but last featured in 2021 and it remains to be seen whether Ange Postecoglou sees the defender as part of his plans.
First choice left back Destiny Udogie is enjoying a stunning seasons for Spurs, while Emerson Royal has filled in there when required.
Ivan Perisic and Ryan Sessegnon - two other options at left back - are currently long-term absentees.
United have a whole host of defensive problems at the moment with Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, Lisandro Martinez and Shaw all absent in recent games, but Ten Hag insisted he hopes to have several players back at some point this month.