Man Utd 'give up on £43m Ousmane Dembele transfer after Barcelona star ruled out for four months following surgery'

MANCHESTER UNITED have reportedly ended their drawn-out pursuit of Barcelona star Ousmane Dembele.

Spanish publication Sport claim that the Red Devils were prepared to pay £43million prior to the Frenchman's injury setback at Euro 2020.

The 24-year-old was forced to leave France's squad prior to their exit to Switzerland after he suffered a knee injury against Hungary.

Les Bleus had only brought on the winger as a substitute earlier in the second-half before he was struck down with his latest issue.

SunSport previously reported that Dembele is set to go under the knife to repair the damaged bicep femoris muscle in his right leg.

And the former Borussia Dortmund ace could be kept out for as long as four months, with a potential return to action in October.

As a result, United will now have to reconsider their options having been linked with a move for Dembele in recent transfer windows.

The Old Trafford side were close to signing the France international last summer only for a deal to collapse at the last stage.

But any revived more for Dembele was made less of a priority after the club agreed a £73million deal for Jadon Sancho.

The Red Devils have finally concluded successful negotiations with Dortmund, after over a year of haggling with the German side.

But with boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer plotting a title charge, United are still after a number of star acquisitions.

Spain defender Pau Torres, currently starring at Euro 2020, impressed the club first hand during their Europa League final defeat.

United may have to pay his £56m release clause, however, should they fail to agree on a lower price with Villarreal.