Manchester United have been warned they will miss out on Bruno Fernandes altogether if they fail to land him this month.
United and Sporting Lisbon remain ‘miles apart’ in their valuations of the Portugal international.
Sporting are demanding £55million plus add-ons, while the Old Trafford club value him closer to £40m.
There is still a hope that a compromise can be reached – but super agent Jorge Mendes claims alternative buyers are already lining up to move in the summer.
“If he doesn’t leave now, he will leave for sure in the summer because Sporting have already spoken with other clubs,” said Mendes who has been involved in brokering the deal.
“Something will happen, but I am not sure if now or at the end of the season.”
United have so far been frustrated in their attempts to recruit in January – with top target Erling Braut Haaland joining Borussia Dortmund, while talks over Fernandes have stalled.
They have not dropped interest in Fernandes are still trying to strike a deal this week.
Solskjaer is also hoping to sign Birmingham starlet Jude Bellingham in a £25m deal – but United face competition from some of Europe’s leading clubs.
