Man Utd failed in last-minute move for Alejandro Garnacho replacement and his response to their interest says it all

Manchester United made a last-ditch attempt to sign Julio Enciso from Brighton but missed out as the Paraguayan forward looks set to join another Premier League club, say reports.

Enciso, who has struggled for regular first-team minutes under Fabian Hurzeler this season, is keen to get more game time – and there have been plenty of suitors regarding a potential loan.

Serie A side Atalanta are believed to have expressed an interest in the 20-year-old, as have Valencia and Borussia Dortmund.

But it appears Ipswich Town will land the former Libertad man, according to The Athletic, who suggest a loan deal will not include an option to buy clause, with Kieran McKenna's side set to cover his wages in full.

Brighton, meanwhile, are keen on Enciso to remain in the Premier League as the forward will become a homegrown player in 2025.

United's late attempt to sign Enciso failed.

United are said to have engaged in talks with Brighton over a move for the Paraguay international as they 'explore the market' for a possible replacement for Alejandro Garnacho.

That's according to a report from Italian publication Tuttomercatoweb, who suggest United 'ran out time' as an agreement was already in place for Enciso to join Ipswich on loan until the end of the season.

Nación Media correspondant Christian Martin gave a further insight into why Enciso turned down a move to United, as well as Borussia Dortmund and Valencia.

“What I can tell you is that at the last minute of yesterday’s day, a call from Manchester United arrived,” he told Versus, as per Sport Witness.

“Manchester United wanted Julio to be potentially the replacement in case Garnacho goes to Napoli or another club, there are several interested. Garnacho has had a problem with Amorim.

“The situation is not the same in the club that he grew up, Garnacho has been playing for many years as a youth player and immediately came the call from the United board to attempt Julio."

Napoli are keen on bringing Garnacho to the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. Image credit: Getty

Martin added: “The answer of the Paraguayan: thank you but no thank you. I want to play. Julio turns 21 tomorrow.

"We are already talking about a Paraguayan boy on the other side of the world in the most competitive league that is fighting for his future and really say no to Borussia Dortmund, say no to Manchester United, say no to Valencia, prioritise that, playing. He wants to play from the start.”

United have turned down an opening bid from Napoli for Garnacho, according to widespread reports.