Bundesliga giants Bayer Leverkusen have reportedly touched base with Manchester United over a potential move for Brandon Williams.

The Englishman finds himself behind Luke Shaw and Alex Telles in the Old Trafford pecking order and has been tipped to head out on loan in January in order to enjoy more first-team action.

Southampton are understood to be interested in a deal for the left-back, who has only played six minutes of Premier League football in the 2020-21 campaign.

According to Sky Sports News, Leverkusen - who have previously been credited with an interest in Williams - have now made contact with United regarding a deal for the 20-year-old.

However, the report adds that Leverkusen want to sign the defender permanently next month following a long-term injury to Atletico Madrid loanee Santiago Arias, but United are only willing to sanction a temporary exit for Williams.

The England Under-21 international's only starts this season have come in the EFL Cup, but Williams also came off the bench twice in United's short-lived Champions League campaign.