Manchester United's highly-rated defender Tim Fosu-Mensah in talks about securing his long-term future at the club despite being asked by Jose Mourinho to train with the Under 21s rather than the first-team squad this week.

United have assured the 18-year-old Dutchman they see him as an important part of Mourinho's plans and negotiations are ongoing about a new contract to ward off interest from other leading clubs in Europe.

Fosu-Mensah, who is currently troubled by a minor calf injury, has been training apart from Mourinho's main squad alongside Bastian Schweinsteiger, Will Keane, James Wilson, Cameron Borthwick-Jackson, Andreas Pereira, Paddy McNair, Tyler Blackett and Adnan Januzaj.

Manchester United's highly-rated defender Tim Fosu-Mensah in talks about a new long-term deal

The Old Trafford club have assured the 18-year-old he is an important part of Jose Mourinho's plans

They have been told they are not part of the manager's plans this season and available on loan or permanent transfer but Fosu-Mensah may still end up staying at Old Trafford this season to understudy Matteo Darmian at right-back provided his calf problem clears up and a new deal is agreed.

Fosu-Mensah was impressive in making ten appearances for United including the FA Cup semi-final victory against Everton last season as Louis van Gaal was forced to cope with an injury crisis.

Clubs like Paris St Germain took notice to leave United keen to tie down the Amsterdam-born Holland Under 19 international rather than encourage their rivals.

All sides hope to conclude a deal before the start of the Premier League campaign and Mourinho can then assess what Fosu-Mensah's role will be this season.

Sportsmail revealed that Mourinho has held talks with several players to let them know if they are part of his plans with those available for loan or permanent transfer told to train with the Under 21s.

They are unlikely to travel to Gothenburg on Saturday for the evening friendly against Galatasaray.

Mourinho had told the teenager to train with the Under 21s earlier this week