Manchester United are reportedly in the race to take Arsenal defender Mathieu Debuchy on loan for the rest of the season.

The Frenchman has been told that he can depart the Emirates during this transfer window after featuring just twice for Arsene Wenger's side in the Premier League this season.

Basement club Aston Villa have been working on a deal to bring Debuchy to the Midlands for the last month, and in recent days Sunderland have also expressed an interest as they bid to stave off relegation.

Now United have entered the bidding, according to The Mirror, as they look for reinforcements to a backline that has been decimated by injuries.

Arsenal are thought to want a £1.5m fee, plus Debuchy's £60,000-a-week wages covered as part of any deal, which has thus far proved a stumbling block for the struggling Villans.

Last month Debuchy insisted that he must leave Arsenal if he is to make the France squad for Euro 2016.