Manchester United’s attention turned to Bournemouth forward Joshua King in the closing hours of their desperate search for a striker.
The Reds eventually secured the services of former Watford man Odion Ighalo on a five-month loan deal, but there was a serious interest in King.
As reported by the Independent, United failed to agree terms for a player that came through the club’s youth system.
King, now 28, netted 12 Premier League goals last season and was seen as a player who could offset the loss of Marcus Rashford who is out with a double stress fracture in his back.
READ MORE: Fabrizio Romano: Juve plan big-money signing in summer, Pogba return remains possibility
Manager Eddie Howe was asked about his Norwegian striker, currently nursing a thigh injury, ahead of Sunday’s game away to Sheffield United.
“That was a difficult couple of days for him, but a huge compliment and a huge moment for him, to have Manchester United come in and express an interest in him,” said Howe, as quoted by Manchester Evening News.
“But he’s very focused on our current position and this club.
