Manchester United transfer news: Nicolas Pepe, Bruno Fernandes, Paulo Dybala, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic

Manchester United were never in for Nicolas Pepe as Arsenal close in on a sensational move for the Lille star. 

The Ivory Coast winger is set for a £72m move, with the Gunners now thought to have struck a deal with the Ligue 1 side. 

And while Pepe’s profile fits the faster, more dynamic approach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is cultivating, despite rumours, United were not interested. 

That’s according to the BBC, with United focusing their attention elsewhere, seemingly on Bruno Fernandes. 

A £63m bid has been accepted by Sporting, according to Corriere dello Sport, with a medical being planned imminently. 

A €100m (£90m) package has also been loosely agreed for Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, adds the report, with that sum including bonuses and commission. 

There is a €20m gap between the Italian club’s valuation and United’s, though agent and former Chelsea star Mateja Kezman is already negotiating in London. 

A swap proposal for Paul Pogba has been discussed by both United and Juventus, involving Paulo Dybala, according to Tuttosport. 

While Romelu Lukaku is now also an option, they add, with Inter unable to strike a deal just yet and Maurizio Sarri seeking a natural No 9 with Mario Mandzukic and Gonzalo Higuain likely to be disposable. 

United have been rebuffed by Newcastle in their attempt to sign Sean Longstaff. 

Owner Mike Ashley insists the youngster is “not for sale”, though their £50m valuation has not put off United, who hope to strike a deal at £30m for the 21-year-old. 

“The message we want to put out is that he is not for sale,” Ashley told the Daily Mail. “If you’ve got one like Sean – keep him.”