Gareth Bale was reportedly keen to join Manchester United during this summer's transfer window but was not prepared to wait for the Red Devils to make a decision on Jadon Sancho.
United are running out of time to complete a deal for Sancho, with Borussia Dortmund refusing to drop their £108m asking price in the latter stages of the window.
According to ESPN, Bale was informed by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side that he was being considered as a potential signing when it became clear that he would be leaving Real Madrid.
However, the report claims that the Wales international grew tired of waiting for United to make a call on Sancho and therefore ultimately decided to re-join Tottenham Hotspur on loan.
Bale is back in training with Spurs after overcoming a knee injury, but the 31-year-old will not involved in Sunday's Premier League clash with Solskjaer's team at Old Trafford.
Donny van de Beek remains United's only signing during this summer's window.