Manchester United are looking at Sean Longstaff and Emre Can to help deal with an injury crisis in midfield.

With Scott McTominay not expected to return for another two months and Paul Pogba ruled out for surgery, United need reinforcements.

According to ESPN, Can and Longstaff have been added to the pool of targets, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer set to be backed by the board this window.

Manchester United are keen on signing Sean Longstaff and Emre Can this January window

Ole Gunnaer Solskjaer is in need of midfield quality, with Scott McTominay and Paul Pogba out

Longstaff has enjoyed a breakout season at the heart of Newcastle's midfield - the 21-year-old becoming a driving force in Steve Bruce's side.

Alongside his younger brother Matty, the Geordies were at the centre of Newcastle's 1-0 Old Trafford victory over United in October, and the older Longstaff was reportedly a target in the summer.

Former Liverpool man Can has played just 272 minutes in Serie A this season, falling out of favour at Juventus since the arrival of Maurizio Sarri in the summer.

Longstaff helped Newcastle beat United this season, and has showed his talent this term

The 25-year-old was a mainstay last season in the midfield, but reportedly wants out after being pushed out of the side by Aaron Ramsey.

Both men could be solid investments for the longer-term, but are unlikely to be the impact signings required for Solskjaer's misfiring side.

James Maddison - who scored a superb goal in Leicester's win over Newcastle this week - is the preferred midfield target, but Brendan Rodgers will be desperate not to break up the high-flying Foxes squad mid-season.

United's need for an injection of quality was made ever more evident in their lacklustre 2-0 defeat by old rivals Arsenal at the Emirates on New Year's Day, as Solskjaer's side were controlled by a team who hadn't won since early December.