(Football news) Manchester United have decided that they will end their pursuit of Austrian forward Marko Arnautovic and instead pursue other targets in the transfer market.The Red Devils' interest in the Austrian striker emerged late on Sunday after their dismal 2-1 defeat at home to Brighton to kick off the new Premier League season. However, having held talks with the Bologna president regarding a transfer, United have now decided against a deal for the former West Ham man.

Bologna had set a €15m price tag, but that proved to be a stumbling block for United who were not willing to pay more than €10m for the 33-year-old striker. Bologna's manager and director of football publicly admitted on Monday that they expected Arnautovic to stay at the club. United will now look at other attacking options on the market, and they are considering Watford winger Ismaila Sarr. The Senegal international has been previously heavily linked with a move to Manchester United for the last couple of seasons. He started their campaign back in the Championship following relegation in fine form, scoring a wonder goal from his own half in a 1-1 draw against West Brom on Monday.

While a deal for Arnautovic is off because of the price tag while the disgruntlement of the fans also played a part in the move not happening. On the other hand, United are still progressing with talks for Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot as they are having discussions with his mother Veronique. Several United fan groups also contacted the club to complain about the prospect of Arnautovic playing for United. Bologna's asking price for the forward was believed to be more than what United were expected to pay. Gary Neville criticised Manchester United's recent transfer policy after the club had a bid rejected for Arnautovic. Reports in Italy claimed that United had a bid of approximately £7.6m turned down by Bologna for the 33-year-old, but were expected to return with an improved offer but ultimately decided against it 

"We want to keep going with Arnautovic and keep him, he's at the centre of our project," Di Vaio told Italian press

"Bologna's wish now is to keep our current team and strengthen it in order to have an important season. Money is not the issue, Marko is priceless for us."

Also read: Italian club Bologna reject Man United’s bid for Marko Arnautovic