Manchester United are reportedly set to miss out on both Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho and Barcelona forward Ousmane Dembele on deadline day.
Sancho has been regarded as United's number one transfer target throughout the summer window, but Borussia Dortmund have refused to lower their asking price for the 20-year-old and have repeatedly insisted that he will not leave.
The Red Devils' frustration at a lack of progress in those talks forced them to consider alternatives, with Barcelona's Dembele emerging as their preferred option behind Sancho.
BBC Sport reports that United have not entirely ruled out a loan move for Dembele, but that forcing any transfer through before the 11pm deadline is increasingly unlikely.
Barcelona are thought to be open to letting Dembele leave Camp Nou, having reportedly agreed terms to sign former United man Memphis Depay from Lyon.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side have only signed Donny van de Beek so far this summer, although they are expected to bring in Edinson Cavani and Alex Telles on deadline day.
United are also in talks over a move for 18-year-old Penarol winger Facundo Pellistri.
Barney Corkhill
