- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
Manchester United attacking midfielder Hannibal Mejbri is edging closer to making a temporary switch to Spanish giants Sevilla for the rest of the season.
HITC Football understands that Sevilla have made an approach for Hannibal and are hopeful of a deal being concluded.
Last week, Man United took up an option on Hannibal’s contract that will see him stay at Old Trafford until 2025.
Manchester United are ready to sanction a loan move for Hannibal, but finding a club where the 20-year-old can play regular football is vital.
There is also interest in England and we’re told that four clubs including Everton like the 27-cap Tunisian international, but he’s currently edging closer to a move to Sevilla for the rest of the campaign.
Hannibal preparing for next challenge in January
Despite still being eligible to be registered as an Under-21 player at Old Trafford, Mejbri has already had an interesting career.
Hannibal came through Monaco’s academy and was signed by Man United as a 16-year-old for £9.3m.
It was a remarkable fee for a player who hadn’t made a senior appearance and his progress at Old Trafford has been steady.
Hannibal spent last season on loan at Birmingham City and made 41 appearances in the Championship.
He tried to break into Erik ten Hag’s plans this season and despite the Dutchman describing him as ‘perfect’, he’s only made 10 appearances in all competitions.
Sevilla hopeful of loan deal for United youngster Hannibal
Manchester United’s number 46 has had to be patient and has only started one league match this season.
That came at Turf Moor after he scored a late consolation goal against Brighton the previous weekend.
With Bruno Fernandes and Christian Eriksen in the squad and Mason Mount getting ready to return from injury, Hannibal’s opportunities for the rest of the campaign are going to be limited.
It makes sense for Man United to take their time to find the right club for Hannibal and Sevilla certainly appeals more than Everton for example where he would need to try and displace Abdoulaye Doucoure from the team who has been excellent.
Hannibal not the only United player heading out of the door
While Sevilla are hopeful Hannibal will be heading to La Liga, outcast teammate Jadon Sancho looks set to return to the Bundesliga.
HITC Football understands that Sancho has agreed to a loan deal and like Hannibal, United aren’t expected to include a buy clause.
The hope is that Sancho will prevent his value from plummeting too much as it seems very unlikely that he’ll be reintegrated into the side under Ten Hag.
Hannibal will be eyeing a return to Man United’s first team when he comes back from his loan spell and he’ll hope if he does go to Sevilla that he can prove he’s good enough to regularly start for a top-flight club.
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