Man Utd wonderkid Hannibal Mejbri 'close to joining Birmingham on season-long loan transfer'

BIRMINGHAM are beating off Midldlesbrough and Millwall to borrow Manchester United whizkid Hannibal Mejbri for the season.

The Tunisia playmaker, 19, has been linked with a string of clubs on loan after three first-team appearances for United so far.

Now Old Trafford chief Erik ten Hag has cleared the way for the French-born midfielder to depart temporarily.

The Manchester Evening News tip Birmingham to win the race ahead of Championship rivals.

Promotion hopefuls West Brom were keen on the 16-cap star earlier in the summer before bowing out of the hunt.

Brum borrowed two of United's other hot academy prospects last term.

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England Under-20 centre-back Teden Mengi and Holland Under-21 winger Tahith Chong both shone for the Midlanders.

But each suffered injuries before returning to Old Trafford in May.

Mjebri's upcoming exit will disappoint some United fans, especially after two defeats in Ten Hag's first two games.

But the Dutchman is looking for world-class alternatives to current central duo Scott McTominay and Fred.

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Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong and Juventus ace Adrien Rabiot are regarded as the favoured options.

And Donny van de Beek, as well as 21-year-old Englishman James Garner, are already in front of Mjebri in the midfield back-up available to Ten Hag.

Mjebri did, though, play in three pre-season matches.

And many expect him to be ready to challenge for a regular spot with United next season.