Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville said manager Jose Mourinho would happily swap out-of-favour playmaker Henrikh Mkhitaryan for Arsenal star Alexis Sanchez.
United are reportedly in pole position to sign soon-to-be free agent Sanchez from Arsenal in January following speculation that runaway Premier League leaders Manchester City pulled out of the running on Monday.
Mkhitaryan has been touted as a possible makeweight in a deal for the Chile international and talk of an imminent deal intensified after the United attacker was left out of the squad for the club's 3-0 win over Stoke City.
"The clearest sign that something's happening with Sanchez is that Mkhitaryan isn't playing, that he's not in the squad and Jose was happy to volunteer that information to us," Neville told Sky Sports.
"He wanted to keep the player clear, saying that he does rate him but I think he'd happily swap him in any deal for Alexis Sanchez.
"Anybody would."
Speaking about Mkhitaryan – who has fallen out of United's line-up – Neville added: "He's a talented player but you have to have more than talent.
"He's shown glimpses that make you think he's coming but then he goes missing."
Reigning Premier League champions Chelsea have reportedly entered the race to sign Sanchez from their London rivals.
"Apparently City have pulled out of the race to sign Sanchez but I genuinely thought he was their player," Neville continued.
"Even this morning it was quite clear to me he was City's player.
"I still don't believe they've pulled out. Now Chelsea have come in, it's moving quickly and the next couple of days will be interesting."
‘After Manchester City’s recent form, maybe they’re the underdogs against Manchester United!’ Former Red Devils defender on this weekend’s derby
‘Arteta, Alonso, Emery, me… none of us were physical players – we needed the understanding of the game. That probably helped us move into management’: Premier League boss reveals reasons for natural career progression
