In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Carlton Palmer has rubbished reports suggesting that Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek could leave Old Trafford on loan in January.

Van de Beek has been out of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side for the vast majority of the season despite a much-heralded arrival in a £40m deal from Ajax last summer.

The 23-year-old has had to endure a stop-start campaign to life at Old Trafford, having started just two of United's 21 Premier League games this season, with just one goal and an assist in 23 appearances across all competitions.

The Dutchman was reportedly subject to loan enquiries from unnamed clubs but the Red Devils turned those down and opted to ensure that Van de Beek will spend the rest of the season at the Theatre of Dreams.

Inter Milan are one such potential suitor who have previously considered a loan move for the Dutch international but Palmer dismissed the recent claims and believes he will have to be patient.

He told FFC:

"He needs to be playing but I can't see United letting him out on loan, not in the position they're in. They're going for the league title, they're going for the FA Cup, he's got to bide his time, the team is playing well now.

"His time will come. It's simple, they're going to need the players over the course of this season, so he's just got to bide his time.

"If he's a top player, he will get in the team, but the way they're playing at the moment, he's just got to be patient."

With Inter Milan among the interested parties, there are still questions over whether they would be able to afford his colossal wages as Van de Beek, who is valued at £36m by Transfermarkt, currently earns more than the likes of Ashley Young and Milan Skriniar.

Indeed, according to reports, the Dutchman currently earns around £120,000-per-week at Old Trafford. However, if Inter are serious about their title ambitions, signing a player of Van de Beek's calibre would be a step in the right direction.

But to all intents and purposes, it seems the Red Devils are reluctant to sanction such a move, particularly as a lack of depth has cost Solskjaer's side in the past.

Most importantly, however, it appears that Van de Beek doesn't seem to be too keen on a potential move himself. Therefore, it's hard to imagine a move being completed before the transfer window closes tomorrow.

AND in other news, Manchester United ace Edinson Cavani let Solskjaer down in Arsenal draw...