Ralf Rangnick looks like he will be unable to lure Erling Haaland to Manchester United despite initial plans to do so.
The German interim boss is renowned for his shrewd recruitment, which previously included a young Haaland.
The Norwegian moved to Red Bull Salzburg under Rangnick's leadership and has inevitably been linked with an Old Trafford switch.
Haaland has gone on to become arguably the hottest property in football and is linked with a Borussia Dortmund exit this summer.
United are among several clubs eyeing the 21-year-old, who is also on the radar of rivals Manchester City and Real Madrid.
Rangnick reportedly told the club's board to target the Norwegian when he was discussing his role at Old Trafford.
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ESPN claims the Dortmund star was among several names mentioned when it came to recruitment.
Despite that the interim boss denied he would be handed a bonus if he lured the Norwegian upon his arrival, but did highlight his qualities.
He said: "Erling Haaland is a fantastic striker. I know best myself, because I was together with the people at Salzburg with my friend Kristoff and the people there were a little bit involved in the move from Molde to Salzburg, and therefore I know what kind of player he is."
Before adding: "Ten million for Erling Haaland. Ten million for Kylian Mbappe. Ten million for Robert Lewandowski. And ten million for Joshua Kimmich.
"This is nonsense obviously, just to answer the second question. Of course, there are no such clauses."
However, Haaland is firmly on the club's radar with their interest dating back to Solskjaer's tenure.
The former United boss worked with the striker at Molde and was heavily linked with him before Dortmund won the race for his signature.
Now though it looks as if the Red Devils are ready to back out of the transfer race, reports the Daily Star.
United have often been in the hunt for the world's top talent but look set to admit defeat with Haaland supposedly keen on a switch to Spain.
Dortmund face the prospect of losing their star man for less than £70m, due to a release clause inserted into his contract.
Madrid made moves to sign Kylian Mbappe last summer and could move for the PSG star and Haaland as they seek to add their next generation of Galacticos.
A switch to the Bernabeu will also come as a blow to Pep Guardiola and City, who have their sights on the Norwegian.
They failed to lure Harry Kane last summer and remain in the market for a striker.
