Manchester United will make a decision on the future of midfielder James Garner this week amid interest from League One Sunderland.
The Birkenhead-born 18-year-old is hoping to figure for United against hometown club Tranmere Rovers on Sunday in the FA Cup.
He played in a behind closed doors game alongside Eric Bailly, Tahith Chong and Angel Gomes against Liverpool on Thursday and was taken off after 45 minutes in preparation for this weekend.
United have a number of injuries in midfield and Garner is well regarded by the club's coaching staff and viewed as valuable cover.
There is no doubt that he would benefit from a spell on loan and regular football but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will take stock of what he needs next week, when he hopes to be clearer about what new players are coming in.
Solskjaer had asked for two midfielders this month in the hope of at least one arriving well aware that his squad are running on empty.
Scott McTominay and Paul Pogba are both on the road to recovery but are a few weeks off being fit to play.
United have made offers for Sporting Lisbon's Bruno Fernandes and Birmingham City's Jude Bellingham though the latter is considered one for the future.