Manchester United reportedly backed away from a transfer deadline day deal for Mathys Tel because of one key demand from Bayern Munich.

Tel suddenly became the January window’s hottest commodity, stemming from a desire to play more regular first-team football, and quickly courted interest from a number of Europe’s most prominent sides.

Forward-happy Chelsea were linked with a move before focusing their efforts elsewhere, while title-contending Arsenal also considered a move for Tel as they sought striking options for manager Mikel Arteta.

Tottenham Hotspur looked to have entered and left the race when chairman Daniel Levy flew to Munich to conclude a permanent £50m transfer – only for Tel to turn down the move in preference to staying at Bayern.

But as the deadline neared, it became apparent that Tel would probably be leaving the Allianz Arena after all – it was just a case of where to. United, having loaned Marcus Rashford to Aston Villa after a spectacular falling out with Ruben Amorim, entered the race and were reported to be the player’s preferred option.

But after working on a deal to sign either Tel or Chelsea’s Christopher Nkunku, the Red Devils ended up signing neither. Sky Sports report that the reason for the lack of progress in regards to Tel was because Bayern would only agree to negotiate a dry loan deal that did not include an option to buy.

The Bavarians also wanted United to pay a £5m loan fee, which club officials decided would be an expensive risk, likely because Tel hasn’t got many minutes under his belt this season and would require time to get up to speed.

In the end, Tel performed a U-turn and agreed to join Tottenham – an extensive conversation with manager Ange Postecoglou and a word from Harry Kane helping to persuade him. That deal does include an option to buy at the end of the season, thought to be worth around £45m, with confirmation of the move coming late on deadline day.

As for United, they must now get through until the end of the season having failed to replace Rashford. Their two first-choice strikers, Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee, appear woefully short of confidence, and Ruben Amorim’s faith in the duo was firmly put under the microscope after he opted to play Kobbie Mainoo in a withdrawn ‘false nine’ role against Crystal Palace at the weekend.

The move backfired, with United toothless in attack, and they lost the game 2-0 thanks to Jean Philippe-Mateta’s second-half brace.