Bryan Robson is trying to make a deadline-day swoop for Manchester United starlet Chris Eagles.

The City boss wants to borrow the 18-year-old, pictured, until the end of the season - but can only do so if other players are unloaded from the squad.

As first reported by the Telegraph & Argus, teams in administration are barred from bringing in loans if they already have a 20-strong professional squad. City are currently just over that limit and will need to do some wheeler-dealing by today's 5pm cut-off point.

Brighton are ready to sign Paul Reid, providing he can sort out a pay-off deal with City, while another fringe player could also be going out on loan. And the club are hoping to persuade the Football League that although defender Peter Folkes is signed on pro forms he is still a scholar.

If they can rush that all through in time, Robson hopes to use his Old Trafford contacts to bring in midfielder Eagles, who was linked with a move to City when the manager first arrived.

Chief executive Julian Rhodes confirmed: "There's a slim chance we can take the number of professionals down to 19. If that is the case, we would be asking the Football League if we could sign someone on loan."

Eagles, a member of last season's FA Youth Cup-winning team, made his debut in West Yorkshire in October when he came on as a sub against Leeds in the Carling Cup. He also had a run-out in the next round at West Brom.

He is regarded as one of the brightest prospects in the United academy with good dribbling ability and close control.