Manchester United and Chelsea have both lodged €20 million offers for Barcelona midfielder Thiago Alcantara.
El Mundo Deportivo says Bolton Wanderers learned of United's proposal when they came in for Thiago this week.
The Trotters were offering €9 million, but were informed that fell well short of United's already tabled bid.
The stumbling block for both United and Chelsea is that Barca are insisting on a buy-back option in any deal - something neither club will consider.
For his part, Thiago is keen to hear from United and Chelsea, having already rejected the prospect of going to Arsenal as part of a swap for Cesc Fabregas.
