Manchester United made an approach to sign Aston Villa's Jack Grealish, according to reports.
But the Red Devils were rebuffed, prompting them to step up their chase to land an alternative.
Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is keen to sign a new midfielder this January window after identifying it as a problem area for the Old Trafford club.
Man United are in hot pursuit of Bruno Fernandes, with the Sporting Lisbon star expected to complete a £50million this month.
The Red Devils have also been linked with a move for Jude Bellingham in recent weeks, and offered Birmingham £12.5million for his services.
According to The Daily Record, who reported that United were rebuffed in their approach to sign Grealish, the Red Devils have since offered £25million for Bellingham.
Grealish recently set tongues wagging on social media when he appeared to drop a Man United transfer hint.
The midfielder 'liked' a Twitter post showing him celebrating scoring a goal at Old Trafford alongside the caption: "This, but in a red shirt, Jack Grealish."
Grealish later undid the 'like' after receiving criticism.
The midfielder then followed this up by liking the same picture posted by another Twitter user with the caption: "This but in claret and blue in front of the Holte on the 21st."
