Fernandes was understood to have an open mind about where he goes, with his agent Jorge Mendes speaking to both Tottenham and Manchester United.
Manchester United are sticking to their position of only being willing to buy players at what they consider to be right valuation.
They did like Fernandes but felt their stance paid off last season when they believe patience was rewarded with the right players coming in at right price.
United were not convinced Fernandes really wanted to play for the club.
The priority at Old Trafford is strengthening the central midfield area and they have already agreed a £35m deal with Atalanta for Ederson, but his arrival has been delayed by a late call-up to the Brazil World Cup squad.
United’s players are due to return for pre-season training on 9 July and so far, other than out-of-contract duo Casemiro and Tyrell Malacia, Michael Carrick’s squad remains as it was at the end of last season, with no significant departures or arrivals.
The plan to sell Manuel Ugarte will now have to be shelved after his serious injury on World Cup duty with Uruguay. Meanwhile, Netherlands striker Joshua Zirkzee is still at the club, and sources have dismissed rumours around the exit of midfielder Mason Mount.
