Manchester United's attempt to sign Athletic Bilbao midfielder Ander Herrera was reportedly foiled when three people posed as club officials.
It emerged towards the closing stages of deadline day that the Premier League champions had failed to land the 24-year-old, who is believed to have been willing to move to Old Trafford.
Reports emerged in Spain claiming that the trio held discussions with officials in the Spanish league headquarters, but left without the required paperwork being completed, according to the London Evening Standard.
However, it has been claimed that the breakdown in communications is not related to any alleged 'imposters', and the deal was called off when United manager David Moyes thought that Herrera's release clause worth around £30m was too high.
Bilbao rejected a £24m bid from United on Friday.
