Sevilla are reportedly interested in signing Manchester United midfielder Hannibal Mejbri, although the Red Devils are hoping to keep the player past next summer.
The 20-year-old has become part of United’s first-team squad during the opening months of the 2023-24 term, featuring in two league matches, including a start in the 1-0 win at Burnley in late September.
Hannibal was sent out on loan to Birmingham City in the Championship last season to earn valuable minutes in senior football, with the combative player playing 38 times for the Second City club in the second tier.
Since making his debut for Tunisia in May 2021, the former France youth international has played 26 matches for the North Africans, as well as being included in his nation’s squad for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano via CaughtOffside, Hannibal has attracted some interest from a major side in La Liga over the past few months.
The report claims that Europa League holders Sevilla have been monitoring the progress of the midfielder since the summer, and are hoping to bring the player to Spain in 2024.
Despite finishing 12th in the top flight last term, the club’s continental triumph allowed them to qualify for the group stages of this year’s Champions League, with Diego Alonso’s men in a section alongside Arsenal, PSV Eindhoven and Lens.
It is understood that Man United are happy with the progress that Hannibal is making as he continues to find his feet at the elite level of football in the Premier League.
The Old Trafford club are said to be planning discussions with the Tunisian over a new contract – one which would commit his long-term future to the 20-time English champions.
Hannibal’s current deal at the club expires at the conclusion of this season, however Erik ten Hag’s men are at no danger of losing the player for nothing in the summer.
United possess an option to extend the midfielder’s stay in Manchester for another year, although both parties are said to be keen on agreeing on a new contract for the player.
It has been reported earlier this month that Man United are ready to trigger that extension of Hannibal’s contract, however an official announcement is yet to be made.
Potential suitors Sevilla will be looking to move into the top two of their Champions League group as they welcome Mikel Arteta’s Gunners to Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on Tuesday night.
Manchester United have serious work to do if they are to progress into the knockout stages of UEFA’s elite club competition – the Red Devils host Danish outfit Copenhagen at Old Trafford next.