THE short-term future of Amad Diallo remains unclear at this stage amid mixed reports on Manchester United's thinking - with Middlesbrough and Sunderland having both kept close tabs on the situation.

Boro were one of several clubs interested in the 21-year-old in the summer on the back of his dazzling spell at Sunderland, and have continued to closely monitor his position this month as United determine the next step for the forward.

Sunderland have also always been keen on the prospect of a reunion with last season's star man but at this stage it's not clear what his future holds, despite reports on Tuesday night claiming Boro were in pole position.

Amad then appeared to respond to that speculation himself, sharing a picture on his Instagram story of his time on loan at Sunderland, accompanied by a kissing emoji.

Michael Carrick has always the stressed the importance of complete buy-in from his signings, even the loan captures.

Diallo is no stranger to responding to speculation online. Earlier this month he hit back at an online report claiming he could be on his way to Birmingham, Leicester or Sunderland, saying "stop lying mate!".

Sunderland and Boro both kept a close eye on Amad's situation in the summer but on the back of his superb spell at the Stadium of Light there was interest from overseas, the Premier League and other Championship clubs.

Any possibility of a loan move away from Old Trafford was scuppered by an injury in pre-season that kept him out of action until the end of last month.

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Diallo is now fit but has only played 36 minutes of action this season, though has missed recent games due to illness.

United must now decide the next best step for the young forward, with fresh reports claiming they're swaying towards keeping him at Old Trafford.

Earlier this week reports coming out of United claimed Diallo would be staying put if fellow forward Facundo Pellistri left on loan - and the Uruguayan is now thought to be likely to join Granada until the end of the season.

With Jadon Sancho having also left - not that he was in Erik ten Hag's plans - it's not clear whether United would be willing to sanction the exit of another wide forward after Pellistri.