Football
Rob Dawson, Correspondent 3y

Lingard, Pellistri loan exits on Man United agenda - Solskjaer

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has said a deal has not yet been reached to send Jesse Lingard on loan but has confirmed Facundo Pellistri could be set for a temporary move before the transfer deadline.

Lingard, who has featured three times this season, is wanted by a host of clubs including West Ham, West Brom, Newcastle and Sheffield United. On Sunday, Solskjaer agreed to a loan move with the final decision resting with the club's board.

Sources have told ESPN that one stumbling block could be United's demand for a loan fee in excess of a £1 million for the 28-year-old.

"He is still part of the club, part of the squad and no deal has been struck for any players yet going out," Solskjaer said on Tuesday.

"There have been many clubs interested in our players so let's see what happens. It's important to take our wishes and our plans into consideration."

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Meanwhile 19-year-old winger Pellistri could be set for a move after playing a number of games for the Under-23s.

"There have been talks and quite a few clubs interested in Facundo to go out on loan and maybe it's something we'll let him do," Solskjaer said. "We want him to have football at a high level."

Solskjaer is preparing his team to face Sheffield United at Old Trafford on Wednesday looking to extend their unbeaten run in the Premier League to 14 games.

Marcus Rashford is set to be involved after suffering a knee injury during the 3-2 win over Liverpool in the FA Cup fourth round on Sunday.

"Marcus is available," Solskjaer added.

"He trained this morning [Tuesday] and he's available for selection. He tweaked his knee a little bit but trained fully this morning."

Following Frank Lampard's sacking at Chelsea on Monday, Solskjaer told reporters he's grateful to have the backing of the club's board despite a number of poor spells in his two years in charge.

"We know we would have some tough periods... We have been through two or three spells of bad form but they stood strong," Solskjaer said.

"We looked at the squad and the situation we were in. We had a longer term plan in place. We knew there were going to be some patchy periods and we had to stay strong mentally. The leadership they have shown has been strong and steady, I'm grateful for that."

Solskjaer also praised on 33-year-old striker Edinson Cavani, following Sunday's game.

"When a striker of that age runs almost 12 kilometres... he chases down the centre back every time their keeper has the ball, he tackles the centre midfielders, he makes a mistake and then gets back in his own 18-yard box," Solskjaer added.

"His reaction, his work rate, his habits, his humility... We can go on and on. His experience and attitude has been a lesson for every single one of us."

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