Manchester United's move for Ivan Perisic could be scuppered by Inter Milan selling Antonio Candreva to Chelsea, according to reports in Italy.
The Croatian has been at the very top of Jose Mourinho's wish list for much of the transfer window, but the Serie A giants are keen to keep hold of him.
Instead they are looking to offload Candreva, whose potential transfer to Stamford Bridge would close the door on United's move for Perisic.
Italian outlet Mediaset Premium also reported that Inter are looking to bring in Keita Balde Diao as a replacement for the 30-year-old.
Speaking to Premium Sport about Perisic, Inter boss Luciano Spalletti said: "There was a contact a few weeks ago, then the negotiation stopped, so for me it is closed.
"The more days that pass, the more difficult it becomes for us to find a replacement of his calibre. I'll strongly oppose his sale."
However Manchester United's move for the Croatian may not be completely dead in the water, despite this latest update.
Reports say the Italian outfit would be prepared to do business with United if it involved Anthony Marital in a swap deal.
Although at this point, the Red Devils are reluctant to let the Frenchman go after he impressed in the club's pre-season tour of the US and Norway.
But according to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Spalletti thinks Mourinho will eventually give in to his demands and let Martial leave for the San Siro.