Ashley Young is in talks with Inter Milan over a move to Italy – but Manchester United are reluctant to let him go this month.
The full back is out of contract at the end of the season and has not been offered a new deal.
He is free to speak to clubs abroad from now and it is understood he is open to leaving Old Trafford immediately.
It is now down to United to decide if they are prepared to let Young go midway through the season.
But with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer already facing an injury crisis – and struggling to strengthen during this window, he suggested there would be no exits without incomings.
Speaking after Tuesday’s 3-1 Carabao Cup semi final first leg defeat to Manchester City, he said: “Tonight’s not the time to talk about players leaving because we need the players we have in the squad and we’ve got a few months left of this season.
“We can’t weaken ourselves. We need to strengthen ourselves, if any movement is going to happen.”
Solskjaer wants to bring in at least one midfielder this month after missing out on Norwegian striker Erling Braut Haaland.
“We are a young team and with the injuries we’ve had and illnesses it shows more and that’s something we’re looking at,” he said. “If something is there for us I’ve got the backing to do something, but if it isn’t the right thing we won’t do anything.”
