Following Manchester United's opening day defeat to Brighton at Old Trafford, transfer news broke during analysis of the game in the Sky Sports Studio.
Presenter Dave Jones shared the news that Manchester United had a bid rejected by Bologna for Marko Arnautovic. Gary Neville was the first to respond to the news, saying that every club rejects Manchester United's first bid because they know how desperate they are for reinforcements.
Neville said:
"Dave, the first thing you do when the phone rings from Manchester United is reject the bid, because the reality of it is, you know full well they lost the game today. They're actually negotiating now from an even worse position than they were yesterday and that's a bigger problem for them."
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It appears Bologna are taking Neville's advice as they making all the soundings of a club looking to drive up the price of an in-demand player.
Bologna manager, Sinisa Mihajlović said that he doesn't think that the Austrian international will end up joining Erik Ten Hag's side, but he didn't exactly rule out a transfer either.
"I would be happy for Marko (in case he joins United) but I don’t think he will leave.
"I spoke to Arnautović about Man Utd proposal - in case he leaves we will see… but I think he will stay"
Bologna Director Marco di Vaio said:
"Man United on Arnautović? We’re proud of Man Utd interest for Marko but we are not planning to sell him.
"We want to keep him at Bologna as president said, he’s key part of our project - there’s not even price tag."
It's clear to see that the Serie A side are doing exactly what Gary Neville said they would, as they know Manchester United have historically often overpaid for players in previous windows.
Ten Hag and Arnautovic
The duo have previously worked together at FC Twente in the Eredivisie, where Arnautovic began his professional career.
Ten Hag was assistant coach to Steve McClaren at the club during Arnautovic's time in the Netherlands, winning the Eredevisie the year after Arnautovic departed the club for Inter Milan.
Manchester United clearly have a lot of business to do in the next three weeks and have had a bid accepted for French midfielder Adrien Rabiot yesterday.
The French midfielder was into his final 12 months of his contract at Juventus, but the Italian side will now receive a fee of around €18 million for Rabiot, should personal terms be agreed.
Manchester United had also been linked with a move for 19-year-old Benjamin Sesko, but RB Leipzig have agreed a deal to sign the young talent from RB Salzburg, which is another blow for Erik ten Hag in the transfer window.
Manchester United pull out of deal
Sky Sports News are reporting this afternoon that Manchester United have pulled out of the deal to sign Marko Arnautovic. It's believed that the striker was keen on a move to Old Trafford, but after their opening bid was rejected, Ten Hag and United have agreed to pursue other transfer targets.
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