Southampton are increasingly confident of bolstering their defence by landing Brandon Williams on loan.
Talks over a temporary deal that will see fullback Williams move to St Mary's are continuing between Southampton and United.
Southampton were keen on Williams, 20, last summer but United were reluctant to let him leave following his breakthrough season.
However Williams was unable to build on his 36 appearances in 2019-20 and made just 14 appearances and five starts after remaining at Old Trafford.
Southampton have already signed left-back Romain Perraud and Kyle Walker-Peters established himself as their first choice right-back last season.