Manchester United have failed with a late bid to sign Joshua King from AFC Bournemouth, per The Daily Telegraph.

What’s the word?

King previously rose through United's academy ranks but played for the club just twice at senior level and was regularly sent out on loan, playing for the likes of Preston North End, Borussia Monchengladbach, and Blackburn Rovers.

He eventually joined the latter club permanently aged 22, and would go on to join Bournemouth two-and-a-half years later.

With the transfer deadline approaching, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reportedly attempted to bring him back to Old Trafford but a move has failed to get off the ground with just over 24 hours of the window remaining.

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Indeed, the report states that Cherries boss Eddie Howe is keen to retain King’s services as he attempts to guide Bournemouth to safety this season; the Norway international has scored three goals in the top-flight in 16 games.

United had thought they could get a deal for King over the line, a source is quoted as saying, but the Cherries are standing firm.

A desperate move

United are running out of time.

With Marcus Rashford injured, one has to think that they need a forward and their desperation is beginning to show.

They have been linked with a number of strikers, including former West Bromwich Albion forward Salomon Rondon and ex-Watford man Odion Ighalo.

What could've been... Can you name the clubs these football legends almost joined?

A bid for King, a player with a mere trio of goals to his name this season, is just the latest sign that they are running out of options and that the clock is against them.

It remains to be seen if a striker is signed.

Meanwhile, one Man United man has been hailed as "absolutely wonderful".