Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could be clear to move for a midfielder in the January transfer window.
United missed out on a midfield addition in the summer amid interest in Newcastle youngster Sean Longstaff, but the Manchester Evening News says the United board could make funds available for a mid-season reinforcement.
Solskjaer and executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward met earlier this month to discuss prospective targets for next year.
Newcastle demanded 50m for Longstaff, 21, when Woodward approached The Magpies in early July.
United do have preferred targets ahead of Longstaff and they retain an interest in West Ham's England international Declan Rice.
