Atalanta BC boss Gian Piero Gasperini has confirmed that Manchester United want Amad Diallo this month and are not prepared to loan him back to the Italian club.
The Red Devils agreed a deal for the 18-year-old over the summer, and he is due to arrive at Old Trafford in the coming days, having received a passport and a work permit.
Atalanta want to keep the youngster on loan for the remainder of the 2020-21 campaign, but Gasperini has revealed that United want the right-sided attacker to arrive at Old Trafford immediately.
"It's difficult [to keep Diallo until the end of the season] because Manchester United want him to join the club immediately in January. Amad received his passport," Gasperini told Sky Italia.
United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is allegedly keen to introduce the teenager, who could cost the Red Devils up to €40m (£35.5m), into the first-team squad as soon as possible.
Diallo has made two substitute appearances for Atalanta during the current season.