COMMENT: Marcel Sabitzer and Manchester United. The prospect of a permanent transfer is no done deal. The price is one thing. But those egos at Bayern Munich, well, that's something else...

The latest from the English end of the table is that United want to buy Sabitzer outright. With no set fee written into January's loan arrangement, everything is up in the air. A valuation of £25m has been mooted, though this column has been told such a figure is a media flyer - at best.

For the moment, nothing has been discussed. Though both sides of the table are happy with what they're seeing from the Austrian. On United's side, it's obvious, Sabitzer has been a plus. The 29 year-old has been a good fit for the dressing room - and an even better one for manager Erik ten Hag on the pitch.

Indeed, the midfielder represents the type of opportunity that drew the Dutchman to United. A first signing, as United manager, that he'd never get close to working with in the Eredivisie. Clever. Aggressive. Versatile. You can see Sabitzer fitting seamlessly into an Ajax system. But such talent would always be out of reach for Ten Hag. Having the chance to not only work with players like Sabitzer, but actually plan with him as a long-term prospect, the ultimate reason why he left the Amsterdam Arena for Old Trafford.

But as we say, Sabitzer remaining a United player is no guarantee.

At Bayern, amid the chaos of a sacking and a new coaching appointment - along with the disciplining of their star summer signing - Sabitzer's form at United has been a welcome relief. Seeing the midfielder perform as he has - and generate such positive headlines across Germany's press - has been welcomed enthusiastically by Bayern's brainstrust. After 18 months of struggle since his move from RB Leipzig, to have Sabitzer now justify their investment has allowed Bayern's high-profile chiefs Ollie Kahn and Hasan Salihamidzic to give a little bit back to their old teammates critical of his original deal.

Lothar Matthaus, Mario Basler, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge... they were queuing up before Christmas questioning the value and wisdom of Sabitzer's signing. Under his old RBL coach Julian Nagelsmann (now, of course, sacked and replaced by Thomas Tuchel), Sabitzer's struggles in adapting to the step up at Bayern only brought the decision to sign him under greater scrutiny.

But as he stated this week, the familiarity of Nagelsmann did him little favour as he was played everywhere but in his preferred central midfield role: "It was a wild back and forth: I was sometimes left-back, sometimes right-back, sometimes on number six, number eight, number ten. Actually everywhere."

At United, under Ten Hag, Sabitzer has been able to revert to the role that brought him to the attention of Kahn and Salihamidzic while captain of Leipzig. Playing centrally. Effectively as a box-to-box midfielder. Sabitzer has adjusted to Ten Hag's system and the demands of the Premier League impressively. His two goals against Sevilla in midweek the high point of a loan that continues to offer positive progress.

"I also felt comfortable in Munich. But here I have the rhythm, the confidence in my strengths," Sabitzer also stated last week. "Then I can perform again. I was always self-confident, believed in my strengths.

"But I had to regain the confidence – from the coach in me, but also from me in my abilities. It was therefore important and right that this step was taken."

Which is all to the liking of Bayern. Having splashed out €15m to prise Sabitzer away from Leipzig, there's a very real prospect of doubling their money this summer. Though as we say, nothing as yet has been considered between the two clubs.

But just the local tabloid speculation has Kahn and Salihamidzic privately pointing out such headlines to close friends. And it may even be a case that Sabitzer is taken off the market - particularly if Tuchel has his way.

Amid the maelstrom he's entered at Munich - and Sadio Mane's clash with Leroy Sane is proof enough of that - Tuchel hasn't ruled anything out regarding Sabitzer. The former Chelsea manager has let it be known he expects to sit down face-to-face with the midfielder before any final decision is made.

"I have a high opinion of him as a coach, from afar," says Sabitzer, confirming he hasn't yet spoken to Tuchel. "He is an extremely meticulous worker, worries about match plans, training content all day long. In addition, Tuchel plays very attractive football. He's a top trainer.

"The situation will be assessed in the summer."

But, if he had his way, Sabitzer admits he'd prefer to remain where he is.

"I can say for myself: I have found my place here. I know the Premier League now and I can say: There is nothing better, more intense and tougher."

Sabitzer, tellingly, also stating: "When it comes to (club) support, United is a different number than Bayern, everything is bigger here."

But as we say, nothing is guaranteed. And for the moment, nothing has yet been discussed. But what Sabitzer has done in just three short months is guarantee the brainstrust of Bayern a win.

Whether it be by his new valuation, or by returning to Munich a player transformed, Marcel Sabitzer has done right by Bayern's boardroom. United will have to navigate those FC Hollywood egos if they're to get this one over the line.