Manchester United boss David Moyes is ready to release Nani for loan this month.
The Portugal international is recovering from a hamstring and the Mail on Sunday says talks have opened about a loan return to Sporting Lisbon.
Nani faces a race against time to be fit before the end of the January transfer window, though Sporting may be happy to take him anyway.
It could open the door to Moyes firming up his interest in Sporting's talented, ball-winning midfielder William Carvalho - if not for this window, then for the summer market.
