Borussia Dortmund are reportedly keen on re-signing Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who has fallen out of favour at Manchester United.
The Armenian international, 28, has been criticised by Jose Mourinho recently, with the United boss having declared Mkhitaryan's performances have been "decreasing step by step".
"He started well this season but his performance levels, goalscoring, assists, high pressing, bringing the team with him as number 10, were decreasing step by step," said Mourinho last week.
"That was enough [to be dropped] because the others worked to have a chance. Everybody works to have a chance. It's as simple as that."
Mkhitaryan was again left out of the starting XI for Saturday's clash with Brighton.
According to the BBC, Dortmund - who sold Mkhitaryan to United in 2016 - are keen on taking him back to the Westfalenstadion.
However they would likely have little intention of handing United back the £30million they received 17 months ago.
Newcastle eye Luke Shaw deal
Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez wants to take Manchester United’s out of favour defender Luke Shaw to Tyneside on loan.
The Spaniard believes that Shaw, a £30m buy from Southampton, can reignite his floundering career by playing regularly at the Toon.
Shaw, who has played seven times for England, has been a fringe player under Old Trafford boss Jose Mourinho.
There has been constant criticism of both his physical and mental capabilities and it’s believed Mourinho will be open to a loan deal with another Premier League club in January.
Manchester United 1-0 Brighton - 5 talking points
Manchester United needed a deflected strike from Ashley Young to see off Brighton at Old Trafford – after an unconvincing display from Jose Mourinho's side.
Young's first goal of the season came in the 66 minute and proved the difference, as United reduced Premier League leaders Manchester City's lead to five points.
City travel to Huddersfield tomorrow where they will be looking to extend their advantage to eight points over United, who fortunate to beat Chris Hughton's side.
United lacked ideas and any kind of attacking threat, in contrast to their opponents, who got behind them on several occasions but were unable to find the back of the net.