Serie A side Napoli have reached an agreement in principle with Manchester United over a €30 million (£25.4m) deal for midfielder Scott McTominay, the PA news agency understands.
However, it is understood the prospective move depends on the Scotland international’s willingness to leave Old Trafford, and that there is significant ground still to cover.
McTominay’s departure would create leeway for United to bring in another midfielder, with Paris St Germain’s Manuel Ugarte firmly in their sights, and the Premier League’s profitability and sustainability rules a significant factor.
The Scot has been used as a substitute in all three of United’s games to date this season, but made 43 appearances during the last campaign including a start in the 2-1 FA Cup final victory over Manchester City in May.