Atletico Madrid defender Jose Gimenez is being linked with Manchester United and Manchester City.
The Daily Express says the 19-year-old has recently impressed in a handful of starts for the La Liga champions, attracting interest from Premier League rivals United and City.
Etihad boss Manuel Pellegrini was hoping to win the race for the young centre-back by lodging a £17m bid.
However, if today's reports in Spain are to be believed, Atletico have rejected their early bid.