By Betsefy
Manchester United reportedly failed with a deadline-day offer to sign Espanyol striker Raul de Tomas.
The Red Devils were believed to be in the market for a new forward before the 11pm deadline on Thursday, and De Tomas was one of several names on their radar.
The 27-year-old joined Espanyol in 2020 when they were in the second tier of Spanish football, and netted 23 times to help them secure promotion back to La Liga.
De Tomas then enjoyed a successful spell in front of goal last season, scoring 17 times in 34 top-flight appearances, with only Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema (27) and Celta Vigo’s Iago Aspas (18) scoring more in the division.
According to Football Insider, Man United made a late approach to Espanyol over a deal for De Tomas, but both clubs were unable to agree a fee.
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The report adds that the striker was keen to move to Old Trafford, but he will now remain with Espanyol until January at the earliest.
Amid interest from a host of clubs across Europe, De Tomas has missed each of Espanyol’s opening three La Liga games of the new season and was also absent in pre-season.
The report claims that former Real Madrid academy graduate has fallen out with manager Diego Martinez and it remains to be seen whether he will return to the first-team setup now that the transfer window has closed.
De Tomas, who still has four years remaining on his contract, has made four international appearances for Spain and a strong run of form over the next couple of months at club level could persuade Luis Enrique to select the striker in his squad for the World Cup later this year.
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While Man United were unable to strike a deal for De Tomas, they were able to complete the signing of Brazilian attacker Antony from Ajax on deadline day.
The 22-year-old has signed a five-year contract at Old Trafford with the option to extend his deal by a further year, and the Red Devils have forked out around £85m to land one of Erik ten Hag‘s primary targets.
Antony, who becomes the club’s third-most expensive signing after Paul Pogba and Romelu Lukaku, could make his debut for United in their Premier League showdown at home against Arsenal on Sunday.
Goalkeeper Martin Dubravka was another to arrive on deadline day, while Casemiro, Lisandro Martinez, Christian Eriksen and Tyrell Malacia joined the club earlier this summer.
