Manchester United have pulled out of talks over a late move for Christian Eriksen.
United stepped up their interest in recent days, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer hoping to secure a late deal for the Tottenham playmaker.
But talks ended last night, with Old Trafford’s hierarchy convinced the Dane has his heart set on a move to Spain.
Solskjaer is still hoping to add at least one more signing before Thursday’s Premier League deadline, with talks over a deal for Mario Mandzukic reignited.
United have also been offered the chance to take Philippe Coutinho from Barcelona, but are not believed to be seriously pursuing the Brazil international.
A move for Eriksen was always viewed as a long shot at this stage of the window.
While he has been on United’s radar all summer, he was originally viewed as a replacement for Paul Pogba if the France midfielder left for Real Madrid.
United are still not certain if their record signing will be at the club come the start of the season - but do not believe Real Madrid have the funds to meet their £150m-plus asking price.
After losing Marouane Fellaini and Ander Herrera in the last eight months, Solskjaer wanted to bring in at least one midfielder this summer.
But United have backed away from Sean Longstaff after Newcastle demanded £50m for the starlet, while interest in Bruno Fernandes never resulted in a formal bid.
With Romelu Lukaku set to be fined for going absent without leave and training with Anderlecht, it now seems certain he will be sold.
That means Solskjaer needs to bolster his attack with just one day left in the window.
United pulled out of talks with Juventus over a swap between Lukaku and Paulo Dybala over the weekend, when talks with Mandzukic also stalled.
But hopes of the Croatia international resurrecting a move to Old Trafford have been raised with a dialogue being reopened in the past 24 hours.
While it is believed Solskjaer would be comfortable starting the new season with no further incomings - United are continuing to explore options in the final hours of the window.
Solskjaer has spent £140m on Harry Maguire, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Daniel James so far - but has been frustrated by attempts to bolster in midfield and attack.
