Manchester United could yet extent Nemanja Matic's stay at Old Trafford by offering him a one-year deal.
The Serbian's current contract is due to expire in the summer and they were planning to sell him in January to avoid losing him for nothing.
But Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is having to work without several of his key midfielders as they face time out injured.
And it could force the Norwegian to keep Matic at the club at least until the summer, but potentially beyond that according to The Sun .
The midfielder started alongside Fred in United's win over Norwich at the weekend to register just his sixth appearance in the Premier League this season.
He had begun to be phased out Solskjaer with Scott McTominay and Paul Pogba above him in the pecking order, but both players are facing time on the sidelines.
Pogba underwent surgery last week, but a time frame on his return has not yet been outlined by the club and he continues to be linked with a move away.
It means United could yet be active in the January transfer window with a deal for Bruno Fernandes thought to be edging closer.
The Sporting Lisbon star was a target in the summer, but a move never materialised despite his stellar campaign.
Fernandes has continued to find the net on a regular basis this season which has led to United reviving their interest this month with Ed Woodward meeting the player's agent and Sporting representatives in order to get the deal over the line.
Declan Rice is also thought to be a target and the West Ham star would be a like for like replacement for Matic.
Any approach for the 20-year-old is not expected to take place until the summer however.
