Eddie Howe has opened the door for Josh King to return to Manchester United.
Bournemouth striker King, 28, has been the subject of a rejected bid from United as the transfer deadline approaches.
The Norwegian came through the ranks at Old Trafford, making just two appearances for the club.
Cherries boss Howe was asked about the likelihood of King leaving as he faced the media ahead of his side's crunch relegation clash with Aston Villa.
And he suggested King is keen to return to United and hinted he could go for the right price.
"There are a lot of things to think about and as a manager, I don't want to weaken the squad," Howe said.
"The problem comes when people make bids for your players with a day to go in the window. How do you find a solution?
"I understand Josh’s position and what Manchester United means to him."
United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is eager to strengthen his attack this month, with Marcus Rashford sidelined with a back problem.
King played under his countryman during his time with the United academy before leaving for Blackburn in 2013.
He talked up Solskjaer's appointment as United boss last season, insisting: "He was brilliant with me, and helped me. I know him as a person and a manager and have loads of respect for him.
"When he took over United I was very happy for him and his family because I know how much that meant for him as a person - it's always been his dream.
"I hope and believe he'll get United back to where they were."
