Manchester United turned down the opportunity to sign Kai Havertz when they baulked at Bayer Leverkusen's asking price.
The German completed his move to Chelsea on Friday night following weeks of negotiations in a deal worth up to £71m.
But the Red Devils eyed Havertz as an alternative to Jadon Sancho, who has been their main transfer target throughout the summer, reports the MEN.
Borussia Dortmund though are demanding £100m for the England winger - considerably more than they would've paid for Havertz.
Both players enjoyed impressive Bundesliga seasons for their respective sides.
Havertz scored 18 times in 45 outings while Sancho bagged 20 in all competitions to finish as Dortmund's leading marksman.
United's pursuit of the 20-year-old has stalled in recent weeks though after they were unable to finalise a deal before Dortmund's imposed deadline.
The German side wanted to know where the future of their star man laid and asked the Red Devils to conclude a deal by August.
They were unable to do so and Dortmund chiefs now insist Sancho will not be sold and he has been included in their pre-season preparations.
Germany's top flight resumes on September 18 with Dortmund kicking off their campaign a day later at home to Borussia Monchengladbach.
Sancho will be expected to feature in their opener and recently admitted he is keeping his head down despite being aware of the ongoing speculation.
"No, the media’s the media," he told Sport Bible when asked if he's bothered by the rumour mill.
"They’re always going to try and create a story, but this is how you manage it.
"For me, I just focus on my football. I just want to do what’s best for my team and win titles at the end of the day."
