Sergio Reguilon's early performances for Manchester United have reportedly significantly boosted his chances of earning a permanent move to Old Trafford next summer.
The Spaniard moved to the Red Devils on loan from Tottenham Hotspur just before the summer transfer window closed.
Reguilon had not initially been a target over the summer, but Man United were forced into the left-back market when Luke Shaw joined Tyrell Malacia on the sidelines through injury.
Both Shaw and Malacia are expected to be out until at least November, with Reguilon currently the first-choice left-back at Old Trafford.
The 26-year-old debuted against Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League last weekend before playing the full 90 minutes of the 4-3 loss to Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
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Reguilon was again selected against Burnley on Saturday and put in another impressive performance, although he was unable to complete the match at Turf Moor.
Man United head coach Erik ten Hag hailed the defender's character after the match, as he revealed that Reguilon had been a major doubt for the match due to illness.
The Spaniard appeared to hold his hamstring before leaving the field, fuelling suggestions that the Red Devils had suffered another injury problem.
However, Ten Hag told TNT Sports after the match: "Reguilon was ill. That tells something about character and spirit they want to show. He was ill but wanted to play, wanted to support and contribute for the team."
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According to AS, Reguilon's early performances have seen him 'quickly gain weight' among senior figures at the club, who have also been impressed with his professionalism.
The report claims that if the defender is able to continue contributing in the coming months then he will have a strong chance of securing a permanent move to Old Trafford.
A long-term switch to Old Trafford would naturally put Malacia's future in doubt, as Shaw will remain at the club as an important player, having signed a new long-term deal earlier this year.
Reguilon has less than two years left to run on his contract at Tottenham, and he is seemingly not in the plans of the London club's new head coach Ange Postecoglou.
The defender, who started his professional career at Real Madrid, has represented his parent club on 67 occasions, while he spent last season on loan at Atletico Madrid before returning to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Matt Law
