New Roma boss Jose Mourinho is poised to offer Manchester United outcast Donny van de Beek a lifeline by bringing him to Serie A, according to reports.
Van de Beek, 24, has struggled to make an impact during his first season in England after joining from Ajax for £40million and has already been tipped to move away.
It may very well be former United coach Mourinho who hands him an escape route, with Calciomercato reporting that he is keen to lure him to his latest project.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Mourinho's successor at Old Trafford, has often played down speculation over Van de Beek and insisted the Dutchman remains key to his plans.
But despite this, Van de Beek has made just 16 appearances in the Premier League, scoring one goal and teeing up another.
With Bruno Fernandes a consistent performer for United in the No 10 role, Van de Beek has been forced to settle for a back-up role.
He has found himself behind other first-team regulars Paul Pogba, Fred and Scott McTominay at times this term.
As a result of the uncertainty, Mourinho has been touted to pounce in his attempt to strengthen his Roma team, which he will take charge of this summer.
His shock appointment was unveiled last week with the experienced 58-year-old taking up his next role just two weeks after being sacked by Tottenham.
Mourinho will return to the top-flight in Italy for the first time since leaving Inter Milan in 2010 and has been dealt a tough task with Roma enduring a poor season.
Under Paulo Fonseca, who will depart shortly, the club are currently lying in seventh spot and were knocked out of the Europa League semi-finals by Solskjaer's United.
Mourinho's efforts to reinforce his midfield at the Stadio Olimpico may have been dealt a blow, however, with United said to be adamant they will keep Van de Beek.
According to The Sun, United will rebuff any approaches for the midfielder and have assured him that his chance will arrive.
The rumoured shortlist of other potential targets for Mourinho may come in handy, therefore, with several players from England being lined up for moves.
It has been claimed by Corriere dello Sport that Roma sporting director Tiago Pinto has already been handed a shopping list from Mourinho.
Featured among the names are Tottenham players Eric Dier and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg - while United veteran Juan Mata may also head to the Italian capital.