When Bayern Munich splashed a tidy £31 million to sign Renato Sanches from Benfica last summer, it was thought they'd signed a future superstar.

However, the Portuguese sensation's first season at the Allianz Arena was somewhat underwhelming, making just 17 Bundesliga appearances.

Sanches, an all-action central midfielder, made very little impact when given the chance to impress by Carlo Ancelotti and so finds his future in doubt.

It was previously reported a loan move to AC Milan was in the pipeline but Bayern's CEO, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, recently claimed the Italians can't meet their financial demands.

Rummenigge also hinted that Sanches would be available for a permanent transfer if the price was right.

"He is a player who needs to play regularly," he said. "So if we feel he is not going to get enough game time, then we will loan him out, or maybe even sell him.

"Last season, particularly after the winter break, he didn't get enough appearances. That wasn't because of the coach, it was because of [Sanches] himself.

"I can confirm that AC Milan have got in touch with us, but I have the impression that they are not able to meet our financial demands."

Milan appear to be out of the race to sign Sanches, which has opened the door to none other than Jose Mourinho's Manchester United.

According to The Sun, the Red Devils are close to striking a deal for Sanches as they seek to bolster their midfield options.

Nemanja Matic and Eric Dier are also top targets for United, but their moves from Chelsea and Tottenham respectively have stalled for various reasons.

There is a slight catch with Sanches' proposed move to Old Trafford, though.

Contradictory to Rummenigge's claim that Bayern are open to selling Sanches, United, for one reason or another, may have to settle on just a one-year loan deal.

Quite why that's the case remains unclear. For all we know, it could be because Bayern see United as a threat in the Champions League, whereas Milan aren't even in the competition.

Nevertheless, if Mourinho is able to sign Sanches on a season-long loan, it could prove an inspired move.

The 19-year-old is blessed with strength, pace and creativity and would have the perfect mentor in Paul Pogba, even if they are only five years apart in age.