Manchester United transfer target Marcel Sabitzer is 'due to fly' to England shortly, with a deadline day move looking increasingly likely.

The Lowdown: Sabitzer a late United target

On Tuesday, the damaging news emerged that Christian Eriksen is expected to be out of action until April or May because of an injury picked up against Reading last weekend.

The Dane has been an influential signing by United this season and it has seemingly made them look for a replacement immediately on deadline day.

Sabitzer has emerged as the clear favourite to join on loan from Bayern Munich, with numerous reports linking him with a move.

The Latest: Midfielder flying to England

Taking to Twitter, The Telegraph's James Ducker provided an update on the situation, saying the midfielder has a flight booked to Manchester to try and complete his transfer before the deadline: "Marcel Sabitzer is due to fly to Manchester shortly as #MUFC race to complete a loan deal from Bayern Munich before deadline."

Sky Sports' Dharmesh Sheth then added another positive update live on the channel's Transfer Show (17:26), saying: "I'm told there is an optimism that Man United will get this deal done."

This update feels like a significant one, with only a major late twist preventing Sabitzer from becoming a United player this month, filling the void left by Eriksen in the process.

The Bayern man is an impressive footballer who has scored 12 goals in 68 caps for Austria, as well as being described as having a 'great mentality' by Hasan Salihamidzic.

Sabitzer would add the box-to-box ball progressing that Eriksen has provided for United this season, also offering more defensively, averaging 1.8 tackles per game in the league this season compared to the Dane's 0.6.