Manchester United reportedly launched a £24m bid for Spain youth international Dani Olmo that was rejected by Dinamo Zagreb this summer.
The 21-year-old impressed during a triumphant Euro Under-21 Championship with Spain, winning the man of the match award in the final against Germany.
Reports suggested that United were among several clubs interested in signing the midfielder, with Bayern Munich and Arsenal also said to have been monitoring the player's situation.
According to Sportske Novosti, United put forward a bid worth £24m as the transfer deadline approached but were flatly rejected by the Croatian side.
The Red Devils reportedly displayed late interest in Paulo Dybala, Mario Mandzukic, Inaki Williams and Fernando Llorente, but did not make any further additions after capturing Harry Maguire.
Having lost Marouane Fellaini and Ander Herrera this year, United were expected to bolster their midfield ahead of the 2019-20 campaign, but they failed to add to that area before Thursday's deadline.