Manchester United player Hannibal Mejbri close to joining Championship club on loan

Birmingham City are set to win the race to sign Hannibal Mejbri on a season-long loan from Manchester United.

The Manchester Evening Newsrevealed last week that the Tunisian was going to leave United on a temporary deal after Erik ten Hag approved a loan exit for the teenager.

It is understood Championship side Birmingham are the team with the best chance of landing the 19-year-old after fighting off competition for his signature, barring any last-minute bids.

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Millwall and Middlesbrough are both believed to have made offers to take Hannibal on loan, while West Brom also considered a deal before looking elsewhere in the summer transfer window. The Tunisian international was also linked with a move to Burnley, but it is understood there was no substance in links with the Turf Moor club.

United have a good working relationship with Birmingham, having sent academy duo Teden Mengi and Tahith Chong on loan to St. Andrew's last season.

John Eustace's side currently sit 12th in the Championship, having one win, one draw and one defeat so far in the new season. They are next in action when they host Watford on Tuesday night.

The Tunisia international featured in three pre-season matches for United this summer, but didn't start a single one of those games amid plenty of competition in his favoured attacking-midfield role.

United believe a loan move would be the best step for Hannibal in his development plan in order to get a proper taste of senior football, and any club successful in their pursuit of the teenager will need to be able to guarantee regular playing time to the academy graduate.

Hannibal is also keen on a move as he appreciates the need to be playing regular