Eintracht Frankfurt 'leading race to sign Manchester United's Donny van de Beek on loan'

Having cost £35m when arriving from Ajax in 2020, Van de Beek has failed to live up to expectation, not helped by being handed minimal starting opportunities.

Remarkably, the Netherlands international has been given just six starts in the Premier League, a further 29 outings coming from the substitutes' bench.

In total, Van de Beek has contributed just two goals and two assists from 62 appearances in all competitions, and his United career has been regarded as effectively over since he suffered a serious knee injury at the turn of the year.

Head coach Erik ten Hag has not handed his Dutch compatriot any further minutes than the 21 that he received in a double-header with Crystal Palace in the space of a few days at the back end of September.

Ten Hag himself as already acknowledged that Van de Beek will almost certainly depart Old Trafford in January, either on a permanent or temporary deal.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Frankfurt have already instigated discussions over the potential transfer.

Romano says that negotiations are already advancing smoothly with a decision expected to be made by all parties sooner rather than later.

Frankfurt are looking for reinforcements at a time when they sit in seventh position in the Bundesliga table having won just five of their 14 matches this term.

Furthermore, the German outfit will be forced to play in the last 32 of the Europa Conference League after failing to top a group that involves PAOK, Aberdeen and HJK Helsinki.

With a further two more fixtures on the schedule, having greater depth in the engine room has seemingly become a priority for Dino Toppmoller.

Surprise La Liga leaders Girona are also said to be monitoring the situation, although it is hinted that they have offered less attractive terms at this stage.

Premier League clubs could plausibly enter the race for Van de Beek, who made five starts and two substitute outings during a loan stint with Everton during the second half of 2021-22.