Hannibal Mejbri has started just four games this season (Photo: Getty)
Hannibal Mejbri’s time at Manchester United could be at an end with Sevilla reportedly close to agreeing a loan deal for the young star.
Having found opportunities limited this season, Hannibal was always expected to leave Old Trafford on loan in January, it was just a question of where to.
Sevilla have been leading the race for his signature, and despite a late enquiry from Everton, it is reported that United and the player himself would prefer a move to Spain.
The Athletic report that a deal between the two clubs is advancing but the move is not likely to be completed until after the weekend, which could allow the 20-year-old the chance to play against Tottenham on Sunday.
Erik ten Hag’s squad is a little thin on midfielders thanks to injuries and Sofyan Amrabat’s participation at AFCON but those issues should be resolved by the end of the month.
But most intriguingly, it is also claimed that the deal will contain an option to buy, which could bring Hannibal’s time with the Red Devils to an end.
The Tunisian International joined United from Monaco in 2019 for around £8.6million, meaning the Premier League side stands to make good money on the player if the clause if triggered.
Man Utd recently extended Hannibal’s contract till 2025 (Photo: Getty)
However, should the transfer be made permanent, United will also have a buy-back clause in Hannibal’s contract meaning his Old Trafford career could have a new chapter in the future.
United rate their starlet highly but acknowledge first-team opportunities will be and have been hard to come by.
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This season, Hannibal has made just 10 appearances and only four of them starts, and has only completed 90 minutes once.
He’s not the only United player departing on loan this January, with Jadon Sancho set to complete his return to Borrussia Dortmund in the next few days.
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The 20-year-old has only started four games this season.