Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has revealed he wants Brandon Williams to develop into an attacking right-back for the Red Devils.
And that could mean bad news for Newcastle United, who have been monitoring the 20-year-old ahead of a possible loan move this month.
The England under-21 international broke into Manchester United's first team last season as a left-back but he has since fallen down the pecking order behind Luke Shaw and summer arrival Alex Telles.
However, Williams is naturally right-footed and Solskjaer utilised him as a right-back during Saturday's FA Cup third round win over Watford at Old Trafford.
Solskjaer is keen to provide competition for Aaron Wan-Bissaka at right-back and his side have been linked with a move for Atletico Madrid and England defender Kieran Trippier this month.
Dutch international Timothy Fosu-Mensah is expected to leave the club this month ahead of his contract expiring at the end of the season and Solskjaer seemingly sees Williams as his second choice right-back moving forward, after a 'positive' display against the Hornets.
"I thought he had a very good game," Solskjaer told the Manchester Evening News.
"Of course, he's not played for a while, he's playing on the right-hand side. We want him to go and be an attacking full-back and it might be easier for him on the right side.
"But very pleased with Brandon, one of the positives."
Solskjaer's comments will come as a blow for Newcastle, who were keen to bring Williams to the club on loan this month.
The Magpies are in the market for a new full-back and have been linked with a loan move for French World Cup winner Djibril Sidibe as well as a permanent return for Dutch international left-back Jetro Willems who will be available on a free transfer in the summer.
