Manchester United are in talks to send two defenders out on loan before the transfer deadline.
Dharmeth Sheth told Sky Sports News (31/1 7.55pm) that talks are ongoing regarding Axel Tuanzebe and Brandon Williams.
Premier League side Fulham are reportedly negotiating over Williams, while Championship side Stoke City are negotiating for Tuanzebe.
Other clubs are also in the mix, Sheth claims, but talks with Fulham and Stoke are said to be most advanced.
READ: Confirmed Manchester United transfers in, out, loan deals for January 2023
Forgotten defenders
Both Axel Tuanzebe and Brandon Williams have seen their career derailed by injuries over the past year.
Tuanzebe left pre-season tour after 48 hours with injury, while Williams did not even make the flight.
Williams is more advanced in his recovery, playing 45 minutes in two friendly matches in Spain in December, and then 90 minutes in an under-21 game earlier in the month.
Tuanzebe only returned to first team training last week. Even if he goes on loan, he may not be ready to contribute right away, but the transfer deadline is pushing all parties into a decision.
The centre-back has lost one half of the season due to injury, and cannot afford to waste the season entirely. Even if he were to stay fit, he stood little chance of game time with the Manchester United first team.
Williams did make the substitutes’ bench for United’s FA Cup tie with Reading at the weekend.
In the cases of both players, loans are likely preludes to permanent summer departures.