Manchester United have seen their £31m bid for Bruno Fernandes rejected by Sporting CP, report Gazzetta dello Sport.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants to strengthen his midfield after Ander Herrera's departure on a free transfer.
And the Norwegian has made Fernandes, who scored 31 goals in all competitions last term, one of his leading targets.
However, United have been dealt a blow after their opening offer for the Portugal international was reportedly turned down.
The Lisbon-based club hope to drive the price up by sparking an international bidding war.
United could return with a second proposal or may decide to turn their attention elsewhere.
READ MORE
5 things I want to see at Manchester United in 2019/20
5 central midfielders Manchester Unitedcouldtarget this summer
‘This is the hardest Manchester derby to call in years – Manchester United shouldn’t be petrified, it feels like Manchester City aren’t in control of any game at the moment’ Former Red Devils striker thinks a surprise result could be possible
‘Thierry Henry was my hero, but when you talk about players who have a wand of a left foot, he genuinely had that. He made my life so much easier on the right’: Ex-Arsenal star omits Gunners legend from his Perfect XI
