Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford reportedly emerged as a possible target for Manchester United earlier this summer.
Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has had to contend with uncertainty around the future of David de Gea, who now has less than a year left on his contract.
There would likely have been a time when United were considering cashing in on the long-serving stopper, leading to potential replacements being identified by the Premier League giants.
The Athletic claims that United were almost ready to launch an approach for Pickford before August's transfer deadline.
However, that idea was seemingly shelved, and the North-West giants are said to be on the brink of announcing that they have agreed fresh terms with De Gea.