Manchester United are reportedly concerned about 'losing face' and suffering a backlash from fans should they see another bid for Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho rejected this summer.
The Red Devils have been strongly linked with the 20-year-old throughout the current window but now have only a matter of days to push through a deal, with the deadline set for 5pm on Monday, October 5.
Recent reports have suggested that United finally made their formal opening offer for Sancho earlier this week, lodging a bid worth up to £91m.
Dortmund rejected that approach and remain adamant that they will not let Sancho leave for anything below their £108m asking price, leading to speculation that United are considering an improved offer.
However, the Daily Mail reports that United are concerned that making another failed bid for the England international - which would again likely be below Dortmund's demands - would result in a backlash from frustrated fans.
The 20-time champions of England could therefore turn their attention to alternative targets, with rumours of a loan deal for Barcelona's Ousmane Dembele gathering pace in recent days.