Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was reportedly 'optimistic' that he could bring either Eric Dier or Lucas Moura to Old Trafford in January before Jose Mourinho arrived at Tottenham Hotspur.
Both Dier and Lucas struggled for football at Spurs under Mauricio Pochettino, but the pair have been key players for the London club since Mourinho took charge one month ago.
According to the Daily Star, Solskjaer believed that his club would be able to sign one of the two in the January transfer window, but the English club's hopes of a mid-season deal have now been dashed.
The Red Devils are expected to be active next month, though, with Red Bull Salzburg attacker Erling Braut Haaland being strongly linked with a move.
United are likely to fail with a swoop for Christian Eriksen, though, with the Denmark international allegedly keen to move to either Juventus or Real Madrid on a free transfer next summer.
Solskjaer's side will be looking to return to winning ways in the Premier League when they travel to basement side Watford on Sunday afternoon.
Matt Law
