Rio Ferdinand believes Northern Ireland midfielder Ethan Galbraith would benefit from a loan move away from Manchester United.
Galbraith remains on the radar of a number of clubs this summer including Sunderland.
The 20-year-old is rated highly at Old Trafford and has featured in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's first-team squad during pre-season.
Ferdinand - who went out on loan with Bournemouth during his early career with West Ham United - believes Galbraith would benefit from playing regular first-team football elsewhere.
"I think a loan move benefits all young players," Ferdinand told Belfast Live.
"Only special players like Phil Foden don't go out on loan. For most others, they do.
"I went out on loan, Frank Lampard went out on loan. So I think it would be beneficial for Ethan to go out and play men's football and see how he adapts to that."
Manchester United boss Solksjaer has admitted that a number of the club's young stars could be heading out on loan during the transfer window.
Galbraith has emerged as a leading target for Sunderland, who have reportedly held talks with United over a season-long loan deal.
The Northern Ireland youngster signed a new deal last October which will keep him at Old Trafford until 2023, with the option of an additional year.
Rio Ferdinand was speaking at Tuesday's BT Hope United match at Seaview in North Belfast. The game is aimed at raising awareness of online hate and discrimination among young people.
