Manchester United target Sean Longstaff is close to returning to full fitness ahead of the new season after sustaining a knee injury four months ago.

The midfielder damaged ligaments in a challenge with West Ham's Robert Snodgrass at the beginning of March having impressed after breaking into Rafa Benitez's team towards the back end of last year.

Longstaff is reported by Chronicle Live to have taken part in a double session in Nanjing on Monday and showed off his "slick passing, movement and creativity". Newcastle take on Wolves in their first pre-season fixture on Wednesday.

The 21-year-old remains on United's radar despite Newcastle's lofty £50million valuation of the player.

United are yet to submit an official bid for Longstaff but they are interested in him as well as Sporting CP midfielder Bruno Fernandes and Leicester defender Harry Maguire.

Speaking after United's win over Perth Glory over the weekend, Solskjaer refused to delve deep into the club's transfer plans.

"I think you need to speak to Ed [Woodward] or others," Solskjaer said. "At the moment, I can't give you any updates, no. Well timing is obviously an issue but we're working as I said before, of course we're optimistic."

United were linked with Mario Lemina last week but the Reds downplayed their interest in the Gabon international.

Adrien Rabiot and Youri Tielemans were both monitored by United earlier in the transfer window but have since signed for Juventus and Leicester respectively.