Manchester United enquired about the availability of Manchester City left-back Rayan Aït-Nouri on deadline day, sources told ESPN.
The defender was offered to United in the last week of the window.
A follow-up enquiry was made to City on Tuesday and United were informed that any loan deal would have to include an obligation to make the move permanent at the end of the season.
It prompted United to end discussions after informing City they were only interested in Aït-Nouri as a short-term option.
Meanwhile, Everton failed in a late bid for United striker Joshua Zirkzee on deadline day, sources have told ESPN.
The approach was made as Everton's move for USMNT striker Folarin Balogun collapsed in the final hours of the window.
Sources have told ESPN that the offer for Zirkzee was for a season-long loan with an option to make the move permanent. It was rejected by United after they decided the interest had come too late, leaving the club with no time to find a replacement.
United held talks with Fiorentina over a move for Zirkzee in the last week of the window before the Serie A side turned their attention to Everton striker Beto.
Zirkzee is yet to play this season, but has been included in Michael Carrick's matchday squad for opening games against Hull City and Ipswich.
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