The youngster is yet to make an appearance under Erik ten Hag (Pictures: Getty)
The agent of Manchester United starlet Facundo Pellistri will meet with the club’s hierarchy to discuss the youngster’s future and claims a January departure is ‘imminent’.
Pellistri has had two loan spells at Spanish club Alaves – failing to score in 33 league appearances – but an injury picked up over the summer meant he remained at Old Trafford for the first half of the 2022-23 campaign.
After overcoming that ankle problem, the 20-year-old has made Erik ten Hag’s matchday squad on the last nine occasions but has been an unused substitute each time.
He could be given a rare opportunity to impress in next week’s Carabao Cup third round clash with Aston Villa, with Ten Hag expected to continue with a strong line-up for Thursday’s must-win Europa League showdown with Real Sociedad – which will decide top spot in the group.
Despite struggling for game time with United, Pellistri has made seven appearances for Uruguay this year – playing 45 minutes against Iran in September – and is likely to make their final squad for the World Cup, having already made their provisional roster.
His agent, Edgardo Lasalvia, has now confirmed to ESPN Uruguay that he is working on a potential January move and Pellistri is hoping to use the World Cup as a showcase for his talent.
Pellistri is still waiting for his first United appearance this season (Picture: Getty)
After revealing that he will meet with United officials soon, Lasalvia told ESPN: ‘I think that with a good World Cup – which we believe he will have – his departure is imminent.’
Pellistri had impressed in bursts during United’s pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia before an ankle injury picked up in Oslo against Atletico Madrid kept him sidelined until the start of October.
Ten Hag has already given plenty of game time to youngsters this season – with Alejandro Garnacho recently impressing against FC Sheriff – and the United boss says Pellistri is in his thoughts but encouraged him to fight for his chance.
Asked about Pellistri last week, Ten Hag said: ‘He was injured, [for a] long period. [Against] Atletico Madrid, [he got a] bad injury. So he is now returning.
‘We have some young players in the background in offensive positions.
‘Quite good competition there and they have to battle for it to convince us, to convince me to be in the team, and he is one of the options.’
MORE : Erik Ten Hag appears to aim dig at Manchester United outcast Aaron Wan-Bissaka
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
The youngster is yet to make an appearance under Erik ten Hag.