Manchester United made a surprise approach to rivals Manchester City for left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri before the transfer deadline. United reportedly inquired about a loan deal for the Algeria international.
However, it is understood that City informed United a loan would only be possible with an obligation to buy, a condition United were not interested in. United's summer transfer focus has been on strengthening Michael Carrick’s midfield, with deals for Carlos Baleba, Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos.
Despite this, left-back was a reported area of concern for United, who lack established options beyond Luke Shaw. Meanwhile, United also turned down a late loan offer from Everton for forward Joshua Zirkzee and ceased their deadline-day pursuit of 18-year-old Louis Page from Leicester City after failing to agree terms.