Manchester United refused to accept a Barcelona clause demand in talks for Yerry Mina.
The Sunday Times says United were hot on the heels of Mina before his surprise switch to Everton.
Jose Mourinho held conversations with the Colombian centre-back and his representatives ahead of a proposed move earlier this summer.
But United pulled out of the deal due to both the player's and club's terms.
United bosses were unwilling to accept Barca's request for a buyback clause being installed into the agreement.
In addition, Red Devils chiefs were left unimpressed with the structure of fees set out by the 23-year-old's agent.
The club apparently also refused any notion of Andre Gomes being a part of the transaction.