Manchester United made approach for Southampton's Danny Ings but were rebuffed

Manchester United approached Southampton about the availability of Danny Ings earlier in the transfer window but were categorically told he is not for sale.

The Red Devils are in the hunt for a new striker with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer desperately short of options in attack since Marcus Rashford suffered a back injury.

The England international is still going to be out of action for a number of weeks, leaving Solskjaer to rely on Anthony Martial and teenager Mason Greenwood as the only recognised strikers in his squad.

The club has been putting out the feelers across the Premier League and Europe as they search for cover up front and Ings is one player that they inquired about, according to the Telegraph.

The 27-year-old has been in excellent form for the Saints this season, scoring 14 Premier League goals, already out-stripping his best return in a top flight campaign.

Only Jamie Vardy and Sergio Aguero have scored more league goals than Ings this season, while he has netted as many as United top scorer Rashford and Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

The Red Devils contacted Southampton over his availability but they were told he is not for sale and the interest appears to have ended there.

United have since turned their attention to Bournemouth’s Josh King as they try and tempt him into a return to Old Trafford, where he spent five years of his career having signed for the club at 16-years-old.

The Cherries turned down an initial bid for the Norway international, but manager Eddie Howe has admitted that the forward is interested in a move and has not ruled out a deal being done before Friday’s 11pm transfer deadline.

The Red Devils are considering a second offer, although it will have to be a significant one to convince Bournemouth to let King go with such little time to find a replacement before the window closes.