Manchester United are reportedly in discussions with Hannibal Mejbri over a new deal at Old Trafford.
The 20-year-old was linked with a move away from the Red Devils over the summer, with a number of clubs believed to have expressed a desire to sign the central midfielder on loan.
Hannibal, who made 41 appearances for Birmingham City during a loan spell last term, ultimately remained at Old Trafford past the deadline, though, and has been involved with the first team in 2023-24.
The Tunisia international scored his first goal for the club in last weekend's 3-1 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League, while he was on the bench against Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Wednesday night.
"He did what we brought him [on] for, having an impact and bringing energy," Man United boss Erik ten Hag told MUTV when asked about the midfielder's impressive display off the bench against Brighton.
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According to 90min, Man United are determined to tie Hannibal down to a long-term deal, as his current contract is due to expire next summer, although there is the option of a further 12 months.
The report claims that talks over a long-term contract are taking place, with Ten Hag confident that the youngster can play an important role for the club moving forward.
Hannibal made the move to Man United from Monaco in 2019, initially turning out for the youth teams at Old Trafford, but he was involved with Man United Under-23s at the age of 17.
The midfielder's first-team debut came against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the final game of the 2020-21 Premier League season before featuring twice for the club in 2021-22.
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Hannibal's development continued at Birmingham, with his 41 appearances for the Blues including 38 outings in the second tier of English football.
The youngster has also been capped on 26 occasions by Tunisia, being viewed as an important player for his country, and he represented them at the 2022 World Cup.
Hannibal's battle to secure regular action in the Man United midfield will become even harder in the coming weeks, as Mason Mount and Sofyan Amrabat are both back to fitness.
Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes and Christian Eriksen are also ahead of Hannibal in the pecking order when it comes to the spots in the middle of the park.
Scott McTominay's action could also be reduced in the coming months, as the Scotland international has found it difficult to impress when called upon early this season.
Matt Law
