Man Utd failed in £45m transfer bid for Bayer Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby on deadline day

MANCHESTER United made an audacious £45million move for Bayer Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby on deadline day but failed, according to reports.

The club made four last-ditch recruitments just before the transfer window shut, but it would have been five if Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and the side’s transfer chiefs had their way.

After a summer spent chasing Jadon Sancho, it appears the Old Trafford hierarchy attempted a late dash at another wide man.

Reports from Sport Bild say the Red Devils tried to recruit Bayer Leverkusen’s Diaby for big money.

They were apparently willing to pay £45m (€50m) to try and sway the German club.

But Leverkusen blocked the move and are looking to extend his contract.

Sporting director Rudi Voller said: “It wasn’t just Kai Havertz this summer.

“We had three or four other players who were the focus of foreign clubs. One of them was Moussa Diaby.”

Sports Bild suggest Manchester United were the main club in contention, although their neighbours Manchester City were also interested in the Frenchman.

Diaby has 10 goals and nine assists in 48 appearances for Leverkusen.

He has impressed off the left flank in the Bundelisga, but can also play in other positions.

The 21-year-old came through PSG’s academy and joined Leverkusen last year.

He also represents France at U21 level.

Despite their failure to land him, United did manage to capture Amad Traore and Facundo Pellistri on deadline day.

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But both of those are signings for the future, where Diaby may have been expected to come in and make an instant impact.

Following the Sancho deal falling apart, United have also reportedly had unsuccessful runs at Ousmane Dembele, Douglas Costa and Ismaila Sarr.

The scattergun approach of the club in the transfer window has been criticised by pundits and former players.