Manchester United are considering whether or not to allow midfielder James Garner to join Sunderland on loan for the rest of the season, a report from the Daily Mail has claimed.

A member of United's academy, the 18-year-old has already made seven appearances in all competitions for the Red Devils' first-team, and is said to be in contention to feature in his side's FA Cup fourth round tie at Tranmere Rovers on Sunday afternoon.

Despite that, it is thought that United will make a decision on whether or not to allow the midfielder to leave the club on a temporary basis this week, before the window closes on Friday night.

According to the latest reports, one potential destination for Garner could be the Stadium of Light, with Sunderland said to be interested in a move for the teenager.

The Black Cats are currently sixth in the League One standings, five points adrift of the automatic promotion places, and have been linked with a number of midfielders this month, with both Rangers' Greg Docherty and Shrewsbury Town's Ollie Norburn said to have caught the attention of Phil Parkinson's side.

The Verdict

This is an interesting one.

Sunderland certainly seem keen to bring in a midfielder, and given his recruitment by a club the size of United, he does seem to have the potential to make an impact throughout his career.

However, given his lack of experience at senior level, there may well be some concern as to whether or not he is ready for the pressure and expectation of the battle for promotion that Sunderland find themselves in.

United could see that as beneficial experience for his future however, and it will be interesting to see whether both sides look to push through the deal, particularly with Sunderland's links to a number of other midfielders this month.