Manchester United have reportedly given up the pursuit of Arturo Vidal as they feel Juventus' £35 million price tag for the midfielder is too steep.
Although some reports had claimed that the Red Devils have made significant progress in their efforts to sign Vidal by offering defender Patrice Evra in a player-plus-cash deal, the Express now claims that United have changed their minds after carefully assessing Juventus' asking price for the Chile international.
Despite signing a mammoth £75m-a-season deal with German sportswear manufactures Adidas, United are reportedly unwilling to spend £35m on Vidal, having already spent a significant amount from their transfer kitty on left-back Luke Shaw and midfielder Ander Herrera.
United's valuation for the Chilean is understood to be far less than Juventus' asking price.
Reports from Italy had claimed that the two clubs reached an agreement over the transfer of Vidal after the player's agent was Fernando Felicevich spotted in England. However, it was later understood that Felicevich was in London, finalising his other client Alexis Sanchez's switch from Barcelona to Arsenal.
Vidal, who is currently on holiday following a strenuous World Cup campaign with Chile, had recently admitted that a move away from Juventus is far from being completed, even though he subtly expressed his desire to move to Old Trafford.
"I've heard about the rumours, but I haven't spoken more about this subject. I'm enjoying my holidays, and when I return to Italy I'll see what happens. Anyone would like to play for one of the biggest clubs in the world," Vidal said.
Meanwhile, United assistant manager Ryan Giggs insisted that the club should not retire the number 11 shirt in his honour.
Although some clubs do retire shirt numbers as a tribute to their legendary players - including West Ham United's number 6 for Bobby Moore, Manchester City's number 23 for Marc-Vivien Foe, AC Milan's number 3 for Paolo Maldini - Giggs insists that he wants to see the number 11 jersey worn by another player.
"There are obviously special cases but it just depends on the club really. I don't think it's [right] for United where they constantly churn over great players," the 40-year-old told United's official website.
"I haven't thought about who will take over the number 11 shirt - that's a good question. They're under pressure, aren't they? I look forward to seeing who takes it and wish them all the best."
