Manchester United ready to let Henrikh Mkhitaryan return to Borussia Dortmund in January

Inter are also interested in the Armenian, and may act if Dortmund progress, but that could see United looking to leverage their position on summer target Ivan Perisic

Henrikh Mkhitaryan is willing to return to Borussia Dortmund this window, with the Bundesliga club also keen on a move for the playmaker, but there is currently a considerable gap between their positions on potential wages. That should make a summer move more likely.

Other than a few flashes since signing in the summer of 2016, Mkhitaryan has generally been a disappointment for Manchester United, struggling to both fit into Jose Mourinho’s system and really settle at the club.

The Portuguese would sanction a sale if the right deal comes along, and Dortmund looks like that, although considerable negotiation is required as regards wages.

Mkhitaryan is currently on a deal of over £120,000 a week, and the German club's current stance would bring an offer well short of that.

Internazionale also have an interest in the Armenian playmaker, and may act if Dortmund progress, but that could see United looking to leverage their position on summer target Ivan Perisic.

Mourinho had greatly wanted the Croatian winger, only for the Old Trafford hierarchy to struggle to do a deal with Inter, and Perisic ultimately signed a new contract.