Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side sought out alternatives to top target Jadon Sancho. Barca were believed to be keen to offload the 23-year-old, after boss Ronald Koeman made it clear he would not have a major role in his first-team plans this season.
But Dembele did not join United, leaving the La Liga giants furious, according to ESPN , as they were unable to complete the signing of Memphis Depay from Lyon.
Barca will attempt to get Dembele off their books again in January - and United's executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward could be land him as little as £45million.
That's according to Sport , which claims Dembele was 'very close' to joining United on deadline day. The Spanish publication reports that Dembele was set for a loan move to Old.
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