Manchester United have walked away from a second deal in the last 24 hours, according to TEAMtalk, after also turning their backs on a move for Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson.
Man United are expected to be one of the busiest Premier League clubs when the summer transfer window officially opens next Monday, with one deal already agreed for Atalanta midfielder Ederson.
The Brazil international received a late call-up to his nation's squad for the 2026 World Cup, but is expected to complete his move to Old Trafford next month.
The Red Devils are keen to add at least one more central midfielder to Michael Carrick's squad, and it could even be two if Manuel Ugarte joins Casemiro through the exit door.
United had identified Anderson as their number one midfield target ahead of the summer transfer window, but it quickly became evident that not only are Forest demanding a huge fee for his services, the player's preference is also to join Manchester City instead.
David Ornstein revealed on Wednesday night that City had seen a bid worth a total of £120m rejected by Forest for Anderson, with United unwilling to pay that price and focusing on players who are keen to join the club instead, like Mateus Fernandes and Alex Scott.
Man United Walk Away From Nathaniel Brown Transfer
Nathaniel Brownvia Reuters
Central midfield is United's main transfer priority this summer, but they are also looking at other positions too, like at left-back to provide more competition for Luke Shaw.
Eintracht Frankfurt left-back Nathaniel Brown had emerged as one of the standout names on their shortlist, according to TEAMtalk, but they have opted not to join the bidding war with the player now expected to join Bayern Munich instead.
United are said to have invested significant time in assessing the 22-year-old ahead of a potential move, but they are unwilling to match the £52m fee that looks set to be agreed between the two Bundesliga clubs.
After talks between Red Devils chiefs and Brown’s representatives, the player was receptive and genuinely open to the prospect of moving to the Premier League after being impressed by the United project.
But now Brown has agreed personal terms with Bayern already and a move could be completed before the World Cup, where he is expected to be the first-choice left-back for Germany.
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Who Are Man United's Other Left-Back Options?
lewis hall englandvia Reuters
Newcastle United's Lewis Hall appears to be United's main option as a new left-back as things stand.
The Red Devils are said to have held positive talks with the England international's representatives ahead of the window opening, with the player keen to make the switch to Old Trafford to further his career and play Champions League football.
Despite the fact that the Magpies have no European football next season, they are under less pressure to sell after Anthony Gordon completed a £70m move to Barcelona.
Newcastle are in a position to demand big fees for the likes of Hall, Sandro Tonali and Tino Livramento, who have all been linked with moves away from St James' Park.