Manchester United chiefs are already exploring a permanent deal for Marcel Sabitzer.

The January loan signing from Bayern Munich arrived without a permanent option.

However, ESPN says United are by no means planning Sabitzer solely as a stopgap for the second half of the season.

He was signed as a replacement for the injured Christian Eriksen, with Sabitzer primarily taking on the role of the Danish playmaker.

Nevertheless, the club's top brass see Sabitzer as an outright transfer prospect just a fortnight into the deal.