There is still a glimmer of hope Nottingham Forest may be able to re-sign James Garner for the upcoming campaign - but patience is likely to be required.
The midfielder caught the eye during his loan spell from Manchester United, after he made the move to the City Ground in January.
The Reds would love to get him back for when the action resumes in August, as boss Chris Hughton aims to get his team challenging at the top end of the Championship table.
However, they face competition from elsewhere. Brighton and Hove Albion, Norwich City and Rangers have been eyeing up the 20-year-old, according to his agent, while there has also been talk about potentially heading abroad.
Moreover, remaining at Old Trafford to push for a place in the first-team has not been ruled out.
It has long been understood United plan to run the rule over Garner in pre-season before making a call on his future - and that remains their position, according to ESPN.
They have reiterated that various options remain on the table, saying the Premier League giants are set to make a decision on him - along with fellow youngsters Amad Diallo, Shola Shoretire, Anthony Elanga and Hannibal Mejbri - “closer to the start of the new season”.
The report adds: “The group are expected to play a part during pre-season before decisions are made about whether or not they should go out on loan.”
Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has previously said: “We've had a few on loan who might come back in.
“There might be interest in a few others maybe going out. We might allow some players to go out to gain experience and come back stronger for it.
“Apart from that, it’s difficult to say (what will happen in the window). But I can't see too many outgoings. You want to come out of the window strengthened, that’s the thing.”
Garner made 20 appearances in the Garibaldi, having spent the first half of the term at Watford. He netted four goals, including one on the final day of the season against Preston North End.
