Manchester United enquired about signing Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez during the summer transfer window, according to Spanish outlet Football Espana.
The Red Devils reportedly tabled a £25 million offer for the 21-year-old in June but it was immediately rejected as he is considered ‘non-transferable’.
Man United were not the only club keen on bringing Lopez to the Premier League, with Tottenham Hotspur also registering interest in securing his services.
However, neither club had a chance as the midfielder did not want to leave Barca, and the enquiries never materialised into serious talks.
The youngster had a splendid summer for Spain, winning the European Championship with the senior team before claiming a gold medal with the under-23s at the 2024 Summer Olympics.
He bagged six goals in six appearances at the tournament in France and became the third player in history to win the Euros and a Summer Olympic gold medal in the same year.
The Red Devils were unable to strengthen in attacking midfield but ended up spending £206m on Manuel Ugarte, Joshua Zirkzee, Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui in the summer.
It is unclear whether they plan to return for Lopez anytime soon, but Barca are already looking into a potential contract renewal for him.
He is widely regarded at the club as a key player for the future, and Man United and other suitors may need to start looking elsewhere.