Manchester United Transfer News: Inter Milan in Henrikh Mkhitaryan Loan Rumours

Inter Milan have reportedly emerged as new suitors to sign Manchester United misfit Henrikh Mkhitaryan in the January transfer window, although a loan is the extent of their hopes as a permanent deal is "not possible." 

Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Charles Perrin of the Daily Express) reported Financial Fair Play constraints mean Inter won't be able to spend in 2018 and "can't commit" to a permanent transfer.

Despite the high expectations placed upon the Armenian following his arrival from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2016, Mkhitaryan has struggled to impress manager Jose Mourinho, this season in particular.

The 28-year-old is going through a difficult patch under the Portuguese and has been absent from eight of United's last 10 matchday squads, presumably leading Inter to believe he could be available on temporary terms this winter:

While Mkhitaryan has not yet justified the reported £30 million spent on his United signature last year, there are other midfielders who have impressed for the Red Devils as they seek to challenge Manchester City for the Premier League crown.

Mourinho recently gave a breakdown of the players keeping Mkhitaryan from establishing a foothold in his XI prior to United's shock Carabao Cup quarter-final defeat to Bristol City, where the wide man again had only a cameo appearance, via Goal:

A loan deal with no view to a permanent sale may not fit United's agenda, however, particularly when former club Dortmund are also said to be interested in taking the player back, per Perrin's report.

It's true many players need more time than others to adapt to new surroundings, however, and the BBC's John Bennett recently posted a hopeful message that Mkhitaryan will still come good at Old Trafford:

The Red Devils were fiercely linked with Nerazzurri winger Ivan Perisic over the course of the summer, and he told Italian broadcaster Mediaset Premium (h/t Metro's George Bellshaw) that manager Luciano Spalletti convinced him to remain.

While his form in the San Siro has been excellent, Mkhitaryan appears to be lacking in confidence, and football writer Aysha Ridzuan recently provided some insight on what could be leading to his apparent dismissal by Mourinho:

United could seek to alleviate some of their wage bill by sending Mkhitaryan out on loan before they attempt to find a suitor for a permanent sale in the summer.

Interest in the player isn't likely to build as long as he's marooned on the fringes of the squad, however, meaning Mourinho may need to give Mkhitaryan more minutes if he's to drum up interest.