Manchester United have failed in an attempt to sign Bournemouth striker Joshua King. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is desperate to sign a forward this month to help fill the hole left by Marcus Rashford, who is nursing a double stress fracture in his lower back.
King was seen as an ideal short-term replacement and United tabled a bid for the 28-year-old, according to the Telegraph.
But their approach was swiftly brushed aside by the Cherries, who find themselves in the thick of a relegation fight.
A source is quoted as saying that King was a deal “we thought we could get done but was met with resistance from Bournemouth”.
But Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe is keen to keep hold of the Norwegian for the rest of the season at least.
JUST IN: Bruno Fernandes transfer to Man Utd confirmed by his agent with contract signed
His Vitality Stadium contract expires in June 2021.
United are expected to scramble to get in a striker before the January transfer window closes at 11pm on Friday.
Sky Sports report Kaveh Solhekol claimed earlier on Thursday that United had been offered Real Sociedad frontman Willian Jose.
“I’ve been told that Manchester United have been offered the chance to sign Jose,” the reporter said on The Transfer Show. “This source is also telling me that United could sign him on loan, as well as Spurs.
“He’s a good Brazilian striker, record at Real Zaragoza is good, he scored 46 times in 113 games.
“What’s interesting is that he was pulled from Sociedad’s squad to play Osasuna last night.
“He’s missed the last three games and with this information that talks are ongoing, it’s beginning to tally.
“I think the stumbling block is that Sociedad want £25m whereas Spurs want a loan deal.
“But we’re also being told that Manchester United could be an option for him as well.”
Elsewhere, United confirmed the £67million signing of Sporting Lisbon midfielder Bruno Fernandes on Thursday.
The 25-year-old has signed a five-and-a-half-year contract until June 2025, with the option of a further 12-month extension.
United will pay an initial £46.6million, with a further £8.5million dependent on Champions League qualification and appearances by the player.
The final bill could rise by a further £12.7million based on a number of further clauses based on Fernandes’ achievements over the long term including winning the Ballon D’Or.
It’s believed the Portuguese midfielder will earn £70,000 per-week at Old Trafford with various performance-related bonuses to boot.
