Southampton are increasingly confident of bolstering their defence by landing Brandon Williams on loan.
Talks over a temporary deal that will see fullback Williams move to St Mary's are continuing between Southampton and United.
Southampton were keen on Williams, 20, last summer but United were reluctant to let him leave following his breakthrough season.
However Williams was unable to build on his 36 appearances in 2019-20 and made just 14 appearances and five starts after remaining at Old Trafford.
Southampton have already signed left-back Romain Perraud and Kyle Walker-Peters established himself as their first choice right-back last season.
Though Williams can play in both full-back positions, boosting his chances of getting more football at Southampton.
Southampton, whose centre-back Jannik Vestergaard is subject of interest from Spurs, are keen to resolve their defensive issues in the transfer market before turning their attention to other areas of Ralph Hasenhuttl's squad.
They are also keeping tabs on Blackburn striker Adam Armstrong along with newly-promoted Norwich.
Blackburn signed the prolific 24 year-old from Newcastle in 2018 for around £1.75m.
With Newcastle securing a 40 per cent sell-on clause in that deal, Blackburn are thought to be holding out for between £12m-£15m for Armstrong.