Sabitzer says YES to Man Utd after missing Bayern training as Chelsea step back from transfer tussle

• Chelsea and United originally battling
• Blues out of race due to other deals
• Sabitzer keen on Manchester move

WHAT HAPPENED? That's according to journalist Fabrizio Romano, who reports that the 28-year-old has told his agents that he is interested in the project led by Erik Ten Hag. He also revealed that Chelsea have withdrawn from the race for Sabitzer due to pursuing other deals, most notably the long drawn-out negotiations with Benfica for Argentina starlet Enzo Fernandez.

On Tuesday, amid deadline day reports, Sabitzer was quizzed by a reporter as he went to the airport in Munich to fly to England. He revealed little in the brief interaction, telling the reporter: "I can't say anything at the moment. We'll see later whether there will be something to announce. You'll have to wait and see."

THE BIGGER PICTURE: United are thought to have initiated contract discussions with Sabitzer's current employers, Bayern. The Austria international has made 24 appearances in all competitions for the German side this term, but hasn't always been in Julian Nagelsmann's starting XI. His move to Old Trafford is reportedly a loan with an option to buy.

AND WHAT'S MORE: For United, Sabitzer offers immediate cover for the injured Christian Eriksen, who was revealed to be out until April after sustaining an ankle injury against Reading on Saturday. More generally, though, the 28-year-old will offer a wealth of experience to an area on the pitch for which many fans have repeatedly called for reinforcements, and they will hope for a repeat of Casemiro's exploits this campaign.

IN THREE PHOTOS:

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WHAT NEXT? With United and Bayern reportedly in direct contact and Sabitzer himself keen on the move, all that remains is for an agreement to be reached in the final hours of deadline day.