Manchester United have been stunned by Newcastle’s £50m valuation of Sean Longstaff.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer hoped to include the midfielder in his summer overhaul - but Newcastle’s exorbitant asking price has placed the move in doubt.
United expected to pay a maximum £25m for the 21-year-old - and Solskjær has already warned he will walk away from over-priced targets.
Old Trafford’s hierarchy are also refusing to pay Leicester’s £90m valuation for Harry Maguire - but Longstaff’s price is the clearest example of what they believe to be unrealistic fees for domestic talent.
The academy graduate has made just nine Premier League appearances - and United are the only club to express interest this summer.
They made a formal approach in recent days and were informed it would cost the same amount as they spent on Aaron Wan-Bissaka to prise him away from St James’ Park.
But Solskjær is adamant the club will not be held to ransom.
He issued a warning here in Perth, saying: “We're still in the market looking to do some business, but we're patient.
“We're Manchester United. We don't have to sell and don't have to overpay.
“You have to have the right players at the right price.”
Solskjær wants to sign two midfielders this summer to fill the void left by Ander Herrera and Marouane Fellaini.
They were confident of securing a deal for Longstaff - believing he was eager to move to Old Trafford and they had a free run without any competition for his signature.
They are expected to press ahead with negotiations, but have made it clear they will not meet Newcastle’s asking price.
