Manchester United face the tough task of prizing 'priority signing' Declan Rice away from West Ham, according to reports.
The West Ham skipper is largely seen as the solution to the growing midfield position that remains at Old Trafford.
Already this season, the middle of the pitch has been highlighted as a weakness for the Reds with their shortcomings exploited as the position became susceptible to being overrun during their torrid Autumn run.
A football.london report has reaffirmed that the 22-year-old is not for sale at the London Stadium and David Moyes has no interest in "letting their key man leave at any cost."
In September, the former Chelsea academy prospect was highlighted by United as the principal summer target.
With a reported price tag of £100m, that figure is likely to increase with Rice continuously proving his importance to the Hammers squad and emphasising why he is so sought-after by the Reds.
Conflicting reports suggest that West Ham's quiet January transfer has flung his future in doubt but the report says the Champions League-chasers are adamant that he is going nowhere despite interest.
Meanwhile, Eric Bailly was reportedly subject to interest from the French side Marseille on deadline day.
Bailly, who recently featured in the Africa Cup of Nations for Ivory Coast, is said to have grown frustrated with the lack of first-team opportunities at Old Trafford.
L'Equipe report that Jorge Sampaoli pursued a move for the central defender before Monday's deadline but nothing materialised.
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