Rennes are already in talks about signing a midfield replacement for Edouard Camavinga which suggests they are preparing for life without the teenager.
Manchester United are among one of the club's tracking the Frenchman as Europe's heavyweights circle.
Camavinga has enjoyed a rapid rise and, once the signing of Jadon Sancho is wrapped up, the Red Devils are reportedly set to up the ante.
Rennes have seen the likes of Edouard Mendy and Raphinha both leave for the Premier League in the last year.
Camavinga could now follow suit and the Ligue 1 club are in negotiations to sign Jens Cajuste from Midtjylland as a midfield replacement.
"He is a player that we have followed for over a year," technical director Florian Maurice told reporters.
"He can start immediately and has big future potential. We are in advanced discussions."
It all points towards Camavinga seeking pastures new - be that United or somewhere else.
United enjoyed another season of progress last term, finishing second in the league and reaching a first final under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Their silverware drought dates back to 2017 however and there is pressure to end that wait.
As a result United are set to again invest with a midfielder and a centre-half on their wishlist.
Camavinga, being a young star with plenty of potential, suits the type of player Solskjaer wants to attract to Old Trafford.
The likes of Nemanja Matic, Fred, Scott McTominay and Paul Pogba are all vying for places in midfield.
However the latter's future remains uncertain as his contract winds down amid reported interest from Juventus.
As United weigh up their options in the market former player Rio Ferdinand has urged them to think twice about signing Camavinga, insisting they need players who can hit the ground running.
He told his official YouTube show 'Vibe with Five' : "I've not seen enough of him if I'm honest. I've seen a bit of him, his debut against PSG where he got man of the match, unreal.
"Talent? obviously. Is he going to come in and affect the team right now and become a star, or is he going to come in and be a bit like an Amad.
"Who comes in for £40m but is nowhere near the starting 11? Is that what we need?"
Camavinga's agent, Jonathan Barnett, who also represents Gareth Bale, had previously said they would not be rushed into any decision regarding the teenager's future.
He told SNTV in May: "Believe me we have a lot of offers for this year, a lot of offers, and good ones. I mean top, top clubs. We don’t want to rush.
"There is the right time to move on and playing games is the most important thing at his age."
