Manchester United were not willing to pay £50million for Ben White and are concentrating their efforts on other centre-back targets.
That is the understanding from MEN Sport after news filtered through of Arsenal's bid, understood to be in the region of £45million plus £5million in add-ons, which is expected to be successful.
The Gunners are confident of landing a deal for the Brighton and England centre-back, who is currently with Gareth Southgate's Euro 2020 squad, though hasn't featured yet at the tournament.
The 23-year-old was of interest to United as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side seek to bring in a central defender capable of partnering Harry Maguire. White was understood to be receptive to a possible United move and very much sees himself as a big club player.
United look set to allow Axel Tuanzebe out on a season-long loan to secure regular first team football. And although they tied Eric Bailly down to a new contract and have Victor Lindelof — Maguire's regular partner for the past two seasons — on their books, United want another centre-back.
Raphael Varane of Real Madrid is their main target and there is some confidence at United that they can secure a deal for the France star. United are also admirers of Spain's Pau Torres, who starred for Villarreal in the Europa League final that United lost on penalties to the La Liga outfit.
The MEN has reported today (Friday) that talks are progressing with Varane, who is United's preferred target over Torres. There is quiet confidence at United they can pull off a deal for the 28-year-old, who would add experience and pace next to Maguire, as well as international pedigree.
