Manchester United are reportedly unwilling to allow Scott McTominay to leave Old Trafford on loan.
The Scotland international has been a regular for the Red Devils over the last three seasons, making 37, 49 and 37 outings respectively in the last three campaigns.
The 25-year-old has also made three Premier League appearances this term, and he played the full 90 minutes of Monday's 2-1 win over Liverpool.
However, McTominay's regular role at Old Trafford is under threat following the arrival of Casemiro from Real Madrid, while Christian Eriksen has also seemingly moved ahead of him in the pecking order.
As a result, the midfielder could find it difficult to secure regular starts this term, and there have been suggestions that he could be allowed to move on loan before the end of the window.
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According to the Daily Mail, Newcastle United are keen to sign the Scot as part of a deal that could take goalkeeper Martin Dubravka to Manchester.
However, the report claims that Man United are not interested in allowing the midfielder to leave on loan, with Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag viewing him as a key part of his plans.
Ten Hag named McTominay when discussing his midfield options for this season, with the head coach content with the players that he has available in that area of the field.
"We have a list. We have options. He (Casemiro) was always on it but we didn't know he would become available. In the moment that we got signals, we were proactive and we got it done and we are really happy about that," the Dutchman told reporters on Friday.
"He is the cement between the stones, he can lead other players really well because he is a leader, he is a very good strategist and he can play a ball as well and he wins challenges.
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"So he brings a lot into a game and he will help us. In between he will be the link, a really important role and I am really happy to have that role occupied in the squad.
"We have many options there now with Fred and Scott (McTominay). We have Casemiro, Christian (Eriksen), Bruno (Fernandes), Donny (van de Beek). So we have options there on how we can balance the midfield, yeah.
"In this moment, we are not the world's top [team], clear. But the intention always has to be for Man United to look for better. So good is not good enough, always go for better and that has to be the culture in the whole of the club.
"On the pitch, that is what the demand is on the players but also in every department on the club. It has to be the standard. So it's the demand and we have to go that way."
Ten Hag did not discuss James Garner when asked about his midfield options for this season, with the 21-year-old widely expected to depart before the end of the transfer window.
Matt Law
