Manchester United prevented goalkeeper Dean Henderson from joining Watford on loan on transfer deadline day.
The 24-year-old wants to leave the club after failing to dislodge David de Gea as number one between the sticks.
Henderson did feature regularly last season, but de Gea's return to form this campaign has limited him to just two appearances in all competitions.
Relegation strugglers Watford made a late move for Henderson but the Manchester Evening News claim United 'blocked' the move as they didn't 'have enough time to get a backup keeper.'
Roy Hodgson's side are 19th in the table and have one of the worst defensive records in the Premier League.
Aside from de Gea and Henderson, United have veteran shot stoppers Tom Heaton and Lee Grant on their books.
Henderson's future at Old Trafford now depends on who arrives as permanent manager in the summer.
United sacked Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in November and currently have Ralf Rangnick as an interim until the end of this season.
Jesse Lingard also didn't get a move away despite six clubs being in for the 29-year-old and his contract expiring in the summer.
Rangnick gave Lingard his blessing to leave on loan, but a move to Newcastle United collapsed early on Monday.
While the two academy graduates didn't get moves they hoped for, three players have departed on loan in the last week.
Teenage prospect Amad Diallo moved to Rangers and Anthony Martial joined La Liga outfit Sevilla.
Donny van de Beek has linked up with new Everton manager Frank Lampard as one of his first signings at the Toffees.
The Netherlands international said after completing his move: "Now I can say I am an Everton player, I am really happy and can’t wait to help the team.
"I think it is a great club… there are really good players here and I came because I want to help them go up the table.
"I hope to bring my football qualities, my passing, and, of course, scoring goals. It is a big part of my game to score and give assists and I will try to do that again. And it is not only offensive, you have to defend as a midfielder and I can do that as well."
United return to action on February 4 against Middlesbrough in the FA Cup.
Topics: Dean Henderson, Manchester United, Watford, Premier League, Transfers
Daniel Marland