Manchester United reportedly saw a joint bid for Bayern Munich defenders Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui rejected.
The Red Devils' push to bolster their defensive has been expedited by the injury to summer signing Leny Yoro, who is set to be sidelined for three months with a foot injury.
De Ligt has not travelled with the Bayern squad to South Korea on their pre-season trip, with Erik ten Hag publicly declaring his side's interest in the player he managed at Ajax.
Morocco international Mazraoui, who also played under the Dutchman for the Eredivisie giants, could come in to compete with Diogo Dalot for the right back spot.
According to The Athletic, United hoped their joint bid would be enough to secure the targets but the offer was rejected by the Bundesliga giants.
Matthijs de Ligt has not joined his Bayern Munich team-mates on their pre-season trip to South Korea
The outlet claim that this has caused some confusion in their respective camps with agent Rafaela Pimenta, who represents both players, bemusement by the apparent change in the club's stance.
De Ligt and Mazraoui were informed that they were surplus to requirements ahead of the summer and reportedly understood that the club would sanction moves should suitable offers be made.
It is not yet known how much the Old Trafford club put on the table in order to snap up the pair, though Bild reported that United had a bid of £30m for De Light rejected last week.
Both players have reportedly agreed personal terms on five-year deals in Manchester.
Since arriving in 2022, Ten Hag has spent nearly £500m on transfers during his tenure, signing the likes of Lisandro Martinez, Rasmus Hojlund, and Andre Onana, during his first two seasons in Manchester.
This summer, Joshua Zirkzee and Yoro have been the main additions.
The spending surge is likely to be offset by departures and United are open to selling a large number of players in the squad to balance the books.