Man City reject United's deadline-day bid for £36m full-back Ait-Nouri

Manchester United were rebuffed by Manchester City on deadline day after making an approach to sign left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri, with City making clear the 25-year-old was not for sale.

Michael Carrick’s side made late contact over a potential move for the Algeria international, but City had no interest in offloading a player they signed for £36 million from Wolves just last summer. Ait-Nouri will remain at the Etihad despite struggling to nail down a regular starting berth.

The full-back has made 31 appearances for City since his arrival, but a combination of injuries and an Africa Cup of Nations absence disrupted his momentum. Nico O’Reilly emerged as City’s first-choice left-back and was outstanding in that role, while Josko Gvardiol has started the opening two games of this season at left-back, with O’Reilly shifted into midfield and Ait-Nouri on the bench.

United’s pursuit of Ait-Nouri reflects a genuine problem at left-back, where Luke Shaw remains the only recognised senior option in the squad. Carrick’s side had already accepted they could not land primary target Lewis Hall from Newcastle this summer, prompting a search for short-term alternatives.

One option they have ruled out is 19-year-old Jorge Salinas. Despite admiring the Spanish youngster, United made no attempt to trigger his €16 million release clause on deadline day.

United also made enquiries about Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde in recent days, though the move stalled over structure. United were only willing to pursue a loan, while Barcelona were seeking a permanent sale for the 22-year-old.