Manchester United have turned down the chance to sign Julian Alvarez from River Plate, according to reports.
The Argentine was offered to the Red Devils this month but the club opted against pursuing a move.
Now rivals Manchester City are looking to swoop in and sign the 21-year-old having lost several forwards recently.
Sergio Aguero's contract was allowed to wind down and he left in the summer before Ferran Torres opted for a move to Barcelona earlier this month.
Alvarez is now seen as a potential replacement with Sky Sports reporting talks are underway regarding a £17m move.
United had passed up the opportunity and now face the possibility of seeing the Argentine on the blue half of the city according to the Times.
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Alvarez's contract expires at the end of the year and he is not short of admirers.
He has notched 36 goals and provided a further 25 assists in 96 appearances for River Plate, which has seen him capped five times by Argentina.
City have long been linked with a striker despite enjoying success with a false nine system.
Harry Kane was on Pep Guardiola's shopping list in the summer but Tottenham refused to budge on their asking price.
It resulted in the Englishman staying put and City's focus could now switch to Erling Haaland.
The Borussia Dortmund star is heavily linked with a summer exit due to his release clause coming in to play.
Real Madrid are among those also keen but the Premier League champions remain firmly in the frame.
Guardiola though has managed to again establish domestic dominance despite rarely playing with a striker.
City have an 11 point lead at the top of the table and are 21 points clear of neighbours United.
The Red Devils are heavily stocked in attack which may point to why they opted against pursuing a move for Alvarez.
Anthony Martial is looking to leave Old Trafford this month with Sevilla keen.
The Frenchman has been unable to fulfil his potential but is growing frustrated by a lack of opportunities.
Cristiano Ronaldo now often commands a start in attack leaving the likes of Edinson Cavani, Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood to work around him.
Cavani's contract is up at the end of the season meaning he is likely to leave Manchester.
Rashford and Greenwood are seen as the club's future stars with Anthony Elanga now also pushing for more involvement under Ralf Rangnick.
