Manchester United were eyeing a move for Real Madrid's Aurélien Tchouaméni, but he looks set to sign a new contract to stay at Real Madrid.
Manchester United's midfield has been the priority focus this summer after Casemiro left the club at the end of the season.
The Red Devils have already agreed a deal to sign Éderson from Atalanta, although the deal was delayed due to his late Brazil World Cup call-up. With Carlo Ancelotti's side now out of the competition, the deal could be finalised sooner rather than later.
Andrey Santos also looks set to sign for Manchester United after the club agreed a £48 million move - with another £2 million in add-ons - with Chelsea.
Santos joins United after Michael Carrick's side missed out on Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali, who have both joined Tottenham Hotspur. United have also reportedly lost out on Aurélien Tchouaméni, who looks set to sign a new contract with Real Madrid.
United could have afforded Tchouaméni
After reports of his new contract with Madrid were released, reports said that United were not close to signing Tchouaméni due to his high wage demands if he were to move to Old Trafford.
However, Ben Jacobs - via The United Stand - has now revealed that United could have afforded Tchouaméni's wages and it "would not have been the issue."
Jacobs claims that Tchouaméni wanted to wait to see if new Real Madrid manager, and former United boss, Jose Mourinho wanted to keep him at the club.
When Mourinho's decision was communicated to the Frenchman, he did not hesitate to sign a new contract.
Not signing Tchouaméni is a blow for United, but it seems the club have already moved on to their next targets.
United pivot to Kone
Ben Jacobs has also said that United have made enquiries about AS Roma's Manu Kone, who has also played for France at the World Cup this summer. Sometimes in place of Tchouaméni.
The transfer journalist said that Kone could be an alternative to Atalanta's Éderson, with some doubt now being cast over that deal despite it being agreed before the World Cup.
Roma are believed to be looking for £50 million for Kone - a similar fee to which Andrey Santos looks set to join United from Chelsea.
However, Kone will be one of several midfielders on United's shortlist and after agreeing moves for Éderson and Santos, United should now be looking at a top-class defensive midfielder.
While the finances may prove difficult, the lower fees for Éderson and Santos should help, given United seemed willing to pay nearly £80 million for Mateus Fernandes.
