BBC Sport journalist Simon Stone has rated Manchester United’s chances of securing the deadline day signing of Barcelona forward Ousmane Dembele as ‘unlikely’.
Dembele has been viewed as a potential alternative to United’s prime target Jadon Sancho who looks all set to remain at Borussia Dortmund.
The 23-year-old has endured a torrid time with injuries at the Camp Nou since his move from Dortmund three years ago but remains an elite talented forward.
And according to BBC‘s Stone, United have ‘not completely abandoned’ their pursuit of the Frenchman with just hours remaining on transfer deadline day.
However, Stone adds that a deal now seems unlikely with United and the player each wanting different outcomes.
Ousmane Dembele to @ManUtd not dead but unlikely. Club want a loan. He wants permanent.
— Simon Stone (@sistoney67) October 5, 2020
United would understandably prefer a loan move for a player with such a poor injury record but Dembele would prefer a permanent exit if he leaves Barcelona.
This leaves the deal at an impasse and we would be surprised if there is a breakthrough in negotiations in the final hours.
Meanwhile, Alex Telles is currently in Manchester completing a medical ahead of his switch from FC Porto, as per Fabrizio Romano.
Romano notes that Telles will sign a four-year contract at Old Trafford, with an option of a further year.
Alex Telles is now having medicals as new Manchester United player. Contract until June 2025 [4 years + 1 option] to be signed later today. Here we go confirmed 🔴 #MUFC #ManUtd #DeadlineDay
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 5, 2020
READ MORE: Alex Telles having Man United medical ahead of official club announcement
