Manchester United approached Atletico Madrid to recruit midfielder Conor Gallagher on deadline day but decided against completing the deal.
According to journalist Chris Wheeler of the Daily Mail, Man United enquired about a loan but Atletico only wanted a permanent sale.
The Red Devils admitted that they “can’t do everything in one window and midfield is likely to be a priority in January or next summer.”
United were eyeing an athletic midfielder all summer who could provide steel to their defence and help the side progress the ball forward.
They explored a move for Brighton & Hove Albion star Carlos Baleba but were put off by an asking price of over £100 million.
Adam Wharton was also linked with a move to the Red Devils but they did not take any formal steps to complete the deal.
Gallagher joined the La Liga side from Chelsea just a year ago and he is no stranger to the Premier League.
He featured 50 times for Atletico during his debut season in Spain but failed to nail down a starting spot.
Thirteen of his 32 La Liga appearances came from the bench.
Gallagher is a hardworking midfielder who brings a lot of energy to the centre of the park.
He would have been a solid acquisition for United but it seems like they were not totally convinced of his ability.
A loan transfer was a shrewd strategy but Atletico’s refusal now leaves Ruben Amorim to find in-house solutions.
Bruno Fernandes is set to occupy one of the midfield spots, with Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo fighting for the other berth.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com