Fabrizio Romano has provided a positive update regarding Manchester United's reported interest in Bayern Munich midfielder Marcel Sabitzer.

What's the word?

Taking to Twitter, the Italian revealed that the Red Devils are currently discussing a potential last-gasp move for the Austria international, with the 28-year-old seemingly said to be keen on making the switch to Old Trafford before the 11pm deadline.

Romano stated: "Marcel Sabitzer has told Manchester United through his agents that he’d be more than happy to join the club and Erik ten Hag’s project. #MUFC Bayern and Man Utd, in contact to discuss terms of the deal with just 9 hours left. Sabitzer didn’t train today."

The respected source had previously revealed that United's path to signing the playmaker has been made smoother with Premier League rivals Chelsea seemingly pursuing other targets, despite suggestions earlier in the day that the Blues were in the mix for his signature.

'Ideal' D-Day signing

While there may be an argument that signing Sabitzer would be a mere "panic" buy - in the words of Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson - a new midfield addition does appear necessary following the loss of Christian Eriksen to injury.

With confirmation that the Danish maestro - who has featured in 31 of United's 32 games this season - is set to be ruled out until late April or early May, it has sparked a desperate need to bolster an area of the pitch which has already been depleted after Donny van de Beek was ruled out for the remainder of the campaign.

Turning to the Bayern ace could well represent an "ideal" replacement for Eriksen, according to Statman Dave, with the pair both able to offer a creative, cutting edge in the final third from their midfield berths.

That is evidenced by the fact that the current Red Devils man has already racked up two goals and nine assists in all competitions so far this season. Sabitzer previously provided 52 goals and 42 assists in 229 games at former club RB Leipzig, although he has only provided four goal contributions in 54 games during his time at the Allianz Arena.

Those recent woes have come amid the 68-cap gem's inability to secure a regular role under Julian Nagelsmann, having even been deployed as a makeshift full-back option on occasion during his time in Bavaria.

The hope will be that Erik ten Hag can allow the £18m-rated ace the chance to flourish again in his usual playmaking berth. He can offer real composure in possession to the Red Devils' midfield as he has a pass accuracy rate of 88% in the Bundesliga this season - the same as the aforementioned Eriksen.

As such, if Ten Hag is keen to replace his stricken summer signing, then turning to Sabitzer could well be an ideal late swoop.