Members of the Manchester United board reportedly do not expect Paul Pogba to play another game for the Premier League giants.
Despite the midfielder acknowledging that he wants to leave Old Trafford, United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has maintained that the France international will spend the rest of the campaign in the North-West.
However, The Mirror claims that there are several figures behind the scenes who feel that the 26-year-old will depart the club in January.
As it stands, it is unclear whether Real Madrid - Pogba's alleged preferred destination - have the funds to meet United's valuation, said to be in excess of £100m.
Nevertheless, it appears that United officials are bracing themselves for developments in the coming weeks, at a time when Pogba is due to make his comeback from an ankle injury which has sidelined him since September 30.
The World Cup winner effectively has just over two-and-a-half years left on his contract.