Barcelona and Spain midfielder Gavi has rejected the chance to join Manchester United.
United head coach Michael Carrick had identified the 22-year-old World Cup winner as a target to further strengthen his midfield ahead of the new Premier League season. It's thought that the Reds were prepared to match Barcelona's £35million valuation.
But our sister title the Mirror reports that Gavi has made clear his intention to remain at Barca - and has no desire to move to Old Trafford. This latest development is no doubt going to disappoint United supporters, some of whom have grown frustrated with the club's lack of significant transfer business this summer.
United's summer spending
While some of their closest rivals, including Chelsea and Manchester City, have invested big on new signings, United have spent just £85m on Andrey Santos from Chelsea and ex-Aston Villa man Youri Tielemans. Karl Darlow has also joined United as third-choice goalkeeper, following his departure from Leeds United.
Gavi's Barcelona career
Gavi, meanwhile, joined Barca aged 11 and has since made 119 league appearances following his debut in 2021. He was sidelined for five months last season with a serious knee injury.
However, he recovered his form and fitness in March to secure a spot in the Spain squad for this summer's World Cup. Gavi featured twice during the tournament, and was an unused substitute in the final which saw Spain defeat Argentina 1-0 in New York.
He remains contracted at the Nou Camp until 2030, where manager Hansi Flick is unwilling to sanction his departure. Discussing his relationship with the Barcelona boss at the end of last season, Gavi said: "I have suffered a lot, unfortunately, in these last two years. It's football."
"They were serious injuries and you have to be mentally strong, and I have been. It's a strong point of mine. I'm at this level because of the mentality I have. It is not easy to play at this pace, coming from two serious injuries. I've done it and I'm proud."
"Luckily, the coach trusts me a lot. He's like a father to me. I am very grateful to him. It's not easy to get to play after this injury. He knows about my talent and mentality and that it's important for the team. He blindly trusts me."
United's alternatives
Gavi's determination to remain in Spain will push United to explore alternative options as Carrick looks to bring in a third midfielder this summer, with time increasingly against them.
Away from their midfield pursuits, United's only other activity saw them secure goalkeeper Darlow on a free transfer. United have also parted ways with several key figures, among them Rasmus Hojlund and Casemiro, while goalkeepers Radek Vitek and Altay Bayindir have also moved on.
